JOHOR BAHRU - A total of 85 notices were issued by Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) to individuals found eating during the fasting month.
The raid was carried out under Op Kesan and Op Kutip's since the start of fasting month on March 23.
Islamic Religious Affairs Exco Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said four notices were issued to shop owners found selling food and beverages to Muslims who were not fasting.
"Since early Ramadan, JAINJ has carried out raids at several locations.
"Action can be taken against those found eating, drinking and smoking in public or open spaces,” he said.
He said such after leading 97 officers and JAINJ personnel held an operation at the Taman Suria Ramadhan bazaar, Larkin Industrial Area, Bandar Baru Uda Business Center and Johor Bahru city on Monday.
Fared said the notice were issued under Section 15(b) of the Sharia Criminal Offences Enactment 1997 that provides a fine of RM1,000 or an imprisonment of not more than six months or both.
He added the operation found some bazaar operators selling food as early as 10am with customers buying food.
"We will continue to contact the Johor Bahru City Council Mayor for cooperation in overcoming this issue,” he said.
He added Op Kutip had made 12 arrests under Section 106 for collecting donations without the Johor Islamic Religious Council’s (MAINJ) approval.