Malaysian Man Sentenced to Public Flogging for Being in Close Proximity with Member of Opposite Sex

A 42-year-old Malaysian construction worker has been sentenced to six strokes of the cane and a fine for violating Islamic law, specifically the crime of “khalwat” or close proximity between unmarried persons.

This marks his third conviction.

The sentencing was handed down by a Sharia court judge.

The caning will be public, taking place at a mosque on December 6 following Friday prayers, unless an appeal is filed. The man, a father of five from Terengganu, was also fined.

This is the first public caning for “khalwat” in Terengganu under recent amendments to the state’s Islamic laws.

The changes allow for public execution of such punishments. Terengganu, governed by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), has seen stricter interpretations of Islamic law.

Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, applying both secular and Islamic laws.

Caning is used for various offenses, including rape and drug trafficking.

Certain groups, such as women, men over 50, and those sentenced to death, are exempt from caning.

In 2018, two women were publicly caned for attempting lesbian sex, sparking international outrage.

The incident occurred in Terengganu, Malaysia.