11 couples detained for "khalwat" in 'Ops Mawar Merah'

The Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAIJ) detained 11 couples, allegedly for committing "khalwat" (close proximity) in a Valentine's Day operation, 'Ops Mawar Merah', which ended early today.

JAIJ assistant enforcement officer Hafiz Abd Rahman said the operation, which began at 4 pm yesterday and ended about 4 am today, focused on hotels.

He said 30 raids were conducted in the operation which involved 20 personnel from the JAIJ enforcement division.

Among those detained were a 32-year-old woman and her newborn baby, believed to have been born out of wedlock, he told reported after the operation today.