Jawi says willing to improve, in response to Mujahid's comments on khalwat raids

PETALING JAYA: The Federal Territories Religious Department (Jawi) welcomes suggestions to review its enforcement activities in response to the reported comment by minister Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa that late night vice raids by religious authorities will end.

Jawi director Mohd Ajib Ismail said they are open to any suggestions and criticisms from any quarters to help improve its standard operating procedures (SOPs) on enforcement of religious rules.

He said the department is focusing on preventing Muslims from breaking Islamic laws and enforcement will only be "carried out as a last resort to prevent the spread of vice activities," he said in a statement.

"Jawi as an agency carrying enforcement activities according to the provisions of the law, we have been executing them carefully and diligently according to the SOPs.

"However, if there anything missing, the SOPs have to be reevaluated and reviewed from time to time to ensure its effectiveness, and to make improvements if necessary," he said in a statement.

He added that the laws were gazetted as such to ensure peace and harmony of the people, especially the Muslims living in the Federal Territories.

Jawi issued the statement today (Oct 7) in response to de facto Religious Affairs Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa, who had reportedly said that late night vice raids by state religious authorities will end.

Mohd Ajib also noted that Mujahid's statement had been "misinterpreted".