SISTERS in Islam (SIS) has blasted Johor’s Segamat Municipal Council (MPS) for having its enforcement officers disguise themselves as food outlet operators and workers to spy on Muslims during Ramadan.

The Muslim women’s rights group said it was not the duty of the local council to play religious police, and that MPS’ actions goes against the teachings of the Quran.

“The council’s sinister strategy of planting ‘dark-skinned’ officers and taking photos of Muslims buying food and eating in public goes directly against the Holy Quran, which tells us to avoid suspicion and not to spy on each other behind each other’s backs,” the group said in a statement.

SIS also described the council’s move as a “breach of trust” among stalls under council supervision, and an “abuse of public funds”.

“This act represents a blatant misplace in priorities on the side of the council itself, which should instead be focusing on upholding the welfare and dignity of all people whom they serve and who are in need.

“This action by the council is shameful and gives the wrong impression of Islam in the eyes of fellow Muslims and people from other faiths.”

The group also said the council and religious department should instead uphold the spirit of empathy and kindness during Ramadan by encouraging the public to be understanding towards the many Muslims who do not fast for various reasons. 

SIS said MPS should give consideration to Muslims who have physically challenging and manual jobs, suffer from health conditions like diabetes and other chronic diseases, are breastfeeding mothers, and others who cannot fast due to their condition or age.

“We are disappointed that while there is a compassionate way of encouraging Muslims to fast, the council and the religious department has opted to take a punitive measure, which tarnishes the name of Islam. 

“We strongly demand that all parties cease this disgraceful act of spying on the people,” the group said.

It was reported that MPS has tasked its enforcement personnel with playing undercover cooks and waiters at food outlets to catch non-fasting Muslims this Ramadan.

MPS president Mohd Masni Wakiman reportedly said dark-skinned officers, who can pass off as foreign workers, will be selected for the job. – May 23, 2019.