Widower receives six lashes for repeated khalwat offences in Terengganu
Over 100 witness public lashing for khalwat in Terengganu mosque
KUALA TERENGGANU – A historic moment unfolded in Terengganu as a widower became the first man in the state to receive six lashes in public for repeated khalwat (close proximity) offences under the amended Terengganu Syariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) Enactment 2022.
The punishment carried out on Friday at Masjid Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, involved 42-year-old carpenter Mohd Affendi Awang.
He was convicted after pleading guilty to committing khalwat for the third time with different women.
Arriving at 2.28pm clad in a red prison uniform with his face covered by a mask, Affendi was escorted by two prison officers.
He underwent a 20-minute medical examination to ensure his fitness to undergo the punishment.
Once the medical officer confirmed his fitness at 2.48pm, the proceedings moved forward.
In front of three official observers—a medical officer, a prison officer, and a syaria court officer—the convict’s name and identification were verified.
The public punishment commenced at 2.50pm.
With his hands crossed on a table and his back turned to the audience, the lashes were administered by a trained prison officer.
The hall remained silent as observers watched intently, including representatives from state government departments, legal associations, and media outlets.
The process lasted only two minutes, after which Affendi was escorted back to the examination room for a follow-up medical check.
The case drew significant public attention, with over 100 people gathered at the mosque.
However, only 70 individuals were permitted to witness the punishment in Dewan A'asim, including state officials and media representatives.
Before the lashing began, a syaria court officer clarified that the punishment was not intended to harm the offender but to educate and deter him from repeating the offence.
It also aimed to serve as a lesson to others.
Senior Judge Kamalruazmi Ismail of the Terengganu Syaria High Court delivered the ruling, convicting Affendi under Section 31(a) of the Terengganu Syariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) Enactment (Amendment) 2022.
