ISLAMIC authorities need not police those who do not fast during Ramadan, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said on Twitter today.

However, Khairy acknowledged that such departments are exercising their authority under their respective states and there is little he can do besides encouraging debate on the matter.

“So it’s not a simple matter of “don’t talk, just do”. Religion is a state (negeri) matter. Many Majlis Agama Negeri under the Rulers.

“Hence, one way to do it is by encouraging public debate. If societal expectations change ergo pressure on religious departments,” he said.

Khairy was responding to Twitter user Mizan Hashri, who urged him to “not just tweet” but take action if he believes religious authorities should not police others during Ramadan.

He earlier twitted that while Muslims are required to observe the five pillars of Islam including fasting during Ramadan, there are no provisions for authorities to police those who don’t.

“It is compulsory (wajib) for you to observe the 5 pillars. It is not compulsory for people to catch you not doing it,” Khairy tweeted, adding that enforcement resources could instead be used to help the poor and needy.

He added that he would discuss the matter with minister in charge of the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim).

His tweet saying that Islamic authorities should not catch Muslims who don’t observe Ramadan has since been retweeted nearly a thousand times.

Bernama reported yesterday that Malacca Islamic Religious Department (Jaim) will conduct daily operations during Ramadan to prevent Muslims in the state from eating, drinking and smoking in public during daytime.

Jaim enforcement division operations unit chief Noraminuddin Aziz said those caught could be charged under Section 49 of the Syariah Offences Enactment of Malacca for selling or eating during Ramadan.

“In addition, Muslims found eating, drinking and smoking in public places can also be prosecuted under Section 49 of the same enactment with a maximum fine of RM1,000 or imprisonment up to six months, or both.

“For the offence of smoking tobacco or cigarettes during the day, they can be fined up to RM500 or jailed up to three months,” he said after examining 15 food outlets in the state determined as ‘‘ports’’ for those planning to skip fasting today. – May 28, 2017.