During the Ramadan period in Malaysia, adherence to fasting is obligatory for practitioners of the Islamic faith as per the law. Failure to comply can result in imprisonment or substantial fines. Recently, two men in Johor were apprehended by religious authorities for violating fasting regulations and were subsequently fined.

According to a report by Sinar Harian, a crackdown operation named Op Kesan was conducted by officers from the Johor State Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) at three locations in Johor Bahru on March 25th. State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid disclosed that a total of four summonses were issued during the two-hour operation, two of which were issued to men found not observing fasting.

He further mentioned that the cited reason by the two individuals for their non-compliance was fatigue from work. Mohd Fared explained that Summon Attendance Notices were issued to several individuals during the operation for further legal proceedings.

All summonses were issued under Section 15(a) and Section 15(b) of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997, which stipulates a fine of RM1,000 or a maximum imprisonment term of six months, or both.

Mohd Fared emphasized that such enforcement actions will persist as a deterrent against intentional disregard for the sanctity of Ramadan among Muslims, with legal measures taken against offenders.

He asserted, "The operation aims to monitor and deter non-compliance with fasting among Muslims. These efforts are geared towards educating and upholding the law, especially in cases where traders and customers openly consume food, drink, or smoke during the fasting hours."