Editor’s Note: This is a humiliation reminiscent of what retired American policeman Randall Barnhart, 62, and his wife Carole, 61, went through on Oct 12, 2006 when they were subject to a khalwat (close proximity) raid by the Kedah Islamic Affairs Department officers at their condominium unit in Langkawi.
“We find it difficult to forget the unpleasant episode. My wife was so terrified by the incident that she fears sleeping in that condominium,” added Barnhart.
He said the officers were rude and insisted on “seeing the woman” when he opened the door.
“My wife had to show herself despite only having a sarong on at that time. We felt humiliated for being treated this way,” he said.
He said he had to send his wife back to the US on the next available flight because she feared people might return to the condominium to terrify her in the middle of the night.
“I want the religious department to apologise to me and my wife in writing,” he added.
“I also want the department to compensate the RM4,315 I had to pay for the return ticket so that my wife could go home.”
Letter to editor
LAST Friday (Jan 17), my wife Yan and I embarked on a journey to Alor Setar to attend a wedding.
Naturally, we were thrilled as it had been decades since our last visit –likely not since the 1980s.
We booked a two-night stay at a charming new hotel conveniently situated near the toll plaza with the added bonus of a picturesque view of lush paddy fields. At first, everything seemed promising.
However, our excitement swiftly turned to disappointment when our first night was abruptly interrupted by an unwarranted raid carried out by the Kedah Islamic Affairs Department (JHEAIK) at ungodly 1am.
Only sijil nikah counts
Despite being there with my wife of 32 years, the hotel had failed to inform the authorities of our marital status – a simple measure that could have easily spared us from such a humiliating ordeal.
Thankfully, one glance at us was sufficient for the officers to realise their mistake. They looked suitably embarrassed but by then, the damage had already been done.
They did request to see our sijil nikah (Muslim’s marriage certificate) but as senior citizens, we naturally didn’t have it with us (we never do as ours is the size of an A4 paper).
Yan even offered to show them our Instagram accounts filled with photos from our wedding day right up to the present. However, they dismissed it, insisting it didn’t count as valid proof.
Of course, the abrupt banging on our door had left us thoroughly shaken, truly believing that we were going to be murdered (watching a Korean thriller and horror drama just before bed certainly did not help calm our nerves.)
Health hazard
The raid was not only intrusive but also had serious consequences for my health, triggering both my asthma and a heart condition.
My wife was preparing to rush me to the hospital but fortunately, the medication I took provided some relief. When she raised the issue with the hotel reception the next morning, her concerns were casually dismissed as a “random operation”.
As paying guests, we expected far better from the hotel management. It was their duty to act with professionalism and to safeguard their guests from such indignities.
A basic verification of our marital status was all it would have taken to avoid this distressing incident.
At the very least, the hotel should have prioritised our comfort, dignity and well-being – and extended a sincere apology for the unnecessary humiliation and health risks caused.
This experience was not merely disappointing but outright unacceptable. No guest should be subjected to such appalling treatment under the guise of random operations – and the lack of accountability from the hotel only compounds the offence. – Jan 21, 2025
Mior Azhar currently hones his skills as a writer, editor, translator and proofreader at his own outfit, On My Own.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: Melaka Hari Ini
