RELIGIOUS Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has urged the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) to investigate why prostitution dens are still operating in some areas of Kuala Lumpur.
“Under Jawi’s jurisdiction, any Muslim involved in prostitution can be prosecuted under the Syariah Criminal Offences Act (Federal Territories) 1997 (Act 559).
“In this regard, Jawi has been asked to request the cooperation of authorities such as the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL),” he said in his response to a local Malay language portal.
He was responding to complaints over the longstanding issue of prostitution in the capital city, particularly in areas like Pudu and around the Masjid Jamek Alam Shah. These areas have been hotbeds for prostitution for decades, causing distress to the mosque community, the portal stated.
Complaints about lewd activities around the 74-year-old mosque are not new, but the mosque has limited authority to address the issue directly and requires cooperation from law enforcement.
Thus, Na’im has requested the Jawi to investigate further. Under Jawi’s jurisdiction, any Muslim involved in prostitution can be prosecuted under the Shariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997. – July 7, 2024
