University couples usher in the New Year with 'khalwat'

Three couples, all students of public universities in Malacca, were arrested in a khalwat (close proximity) operation by the Malacca Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) on New Year's eve.

The couples were among six couples detained for suspected khalwat from several rooms at a hotel in the state.

JAIM enforcement chief, Rahimin Bani said it was very worrying to conduct checks, only to find the alleged culprits are students of higher learning institutions.

"They're supposed to be studying but instead they are in hotels with their partners... and this is worrying.

"The department will continue to monitor and if this goes unchecked, it will lead to illegitimate pregnancies," he said when met here, today.

Among the couples arrested were a pair of 19-year-olds.

The couple claimed to have spent the night in the hotel because they could not return to their hostel as it was late, and that they didn't intend to have sex.

However, authorities found condoms during their checks in the couple's room.

Meanwhile, also nabbed in the same raid was a married man who was spending the night with his a widow. The duo are Indonesians.

Those detained would be investigated under Section 53 of the Criminal Offences Enactment 1991.