Married Malaysian couple sues over wrongful khalwat raid

KUALA LUMPUR - A married couple is suing the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) and six others for allegedly wrongfully arresting them for khalwat, which is an Islamic law that forbids an unmarried Muslim from being alone with someone of the opposite sex.

According to a report in The Star, self-employed Mohd Ridhuan Giman, 34, and his wife Siti Sarah Maulad Abdullah, 26, filed the claim at the High Court civil registry on Friday (Feb 17).

The couple say they were wrongfully detained during a Jawi raid on a budget hotel on Jan 8, despite showing proof of marriage.

They are suing for wrongful confinement, trespass, violation of privacy, abuse of office and violation of fundamental liberties under the Federal Constitution, reported The Star.

According to The Malay Mail Online, court documents stated that the eight officers, seven of whom were male, had forcefully entered their hotel room despite Mohd Ridhuan telling them that his wife was underdressed.

His wife Siti Sarah was dressed in a singlet and pair of shorts - a state in which a Muslim woman's non-immediate family members should not view.

The officers allegedly took videos and photos of the couple after entering the room and ordered Siti Sarah to dress in front of them, even after her husband produced their marriage certificate.

Scuffles also broke out between the couple and the officers, during which Mohd Ridhuan said he was strangled and suffered neck injuries, while his wife sustained injuries to her arm.

The couple are demanding an apology from Jawi for their 'traumatic' experience and 'wrongful detention' despite showing their marriage certificate.

candicec@sph.com.sg