The incident occurred in the early hours of 18/1 at a hotel in Kluang town, Johor. The Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) stated it deployed officers for inspection after receiving a report of suspected moral misconduct, known as khalwat.

At 1:15 h, the patrol team knocked on the suspected room's door, but there was silence inside. Despite the air conditioning running, a man in his 20s opened the door about 7 minutes later.

Police found a woman standing by the bed. Both appeared anxious and trembled, failing to produce a marriage certificate when requested.

The interrogation revealed their ironic situation. The two were previously married but had divorced about 4 years ago. Recently, they reconnected and intended to remarry. As the man worked 150 km away, he drove to visit his ex-wife and rented a hotel room to "confide" in each other, satisfy their longing, and discuss their future.

However, their efforts to reconcile were unsuccessful, and both were taken to the police station for investigation.

Religious police officers inspect a hotel in Malaysia, 2025. *Mnews*

In Malaysia, a country that applies both civil law and Islamic (Sharia) law, the offense of khalwat (close proximity) prohibits Muslim men and women from being together in a private space if they are not married or related (mahram). This regulation aims to prevent pre-marital or extra-marital sexual relations.

If convicted, the couple could face a fine of up to 3,000 RM (approximately 16 million VND), imprisonment for a maximum of two years, or both. In some states with stricter laws, such as Terengganu, the penalty for this offense may include public caning.

In late 2023, an engaged couple in Johor was also arrested in a similar situation while living together to "test compatibility" before marriage.

The strict enforcement of khalwat is facing considerable debate in Malaysia. Human rights organizations and moderate Muslim groups, such as G25, argue that excessive interference in private personal lives can be counterproductive.

Mohd Sheriff Kassim, an advisor to G25, cited that even Saudi Arabia has restricted the powers of its religious police. He stated, "Authorities should learn from past lessons when criminalizing personal behaviors and thoughts."

Despite generating much controversy regarding privacy rights, khalwat remains one of the most common offenses handled by Malaysian religious police to uphold traditional moral values.

Minh Phuong (According to Mothership, New Strait Times)