Offenders face legal action

Getting ready: More than 100 hawker lots will be available for the Ramadan bazaar near the temporary Seberang Jaya Wet Market. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Healthy Muslims in Penang caught deliberately eating or drinking in public during the month of Ramadan can be subject to legal action such as fines or imprisonment or both.

State Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said they could be prosecuted under Section 15 of the Penang Syariah Criminal Law Enactment 1996, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both for the first offence.Ahmad Zakiyuddin, who is also Penang Islamic Religious Council president, said for the second or subsequent offences, they can be fined not more than RM2,000 or imprisoned not more than a year or both.