The Influence of Ramadan Fast-Breaking Raids on Malaysia's Religious Landscape
Amidst the holy month of Ramadan, Malaysia witnesses an escalation in moral policing activities, shedding light on the growing religious conservatism within the nation's diverse cultural fabric. Critics raise concerns over the broader trend towards a more conservative interpretation of Islam in this multi-racial society.
During the holy month of Ramadan, religious authorities in Malaysia have increased their efforts in moral policing. Critics argue that this is part of a larger trend towards a more conservative form of Islam in the country, which is known for its multi-racial and culturally diverse population.
Ramadan is considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide. During this time, Muslims fast from eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual activities during daylight hours. They break their fast after sundown.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims engage in deep spiritual reflection and gather with loved ones to celebrate. However, fasting during this time can be quite challenging, as many can attest to. In Malaysia, it is important to note that Muslims who are caught eating or drinking during daylight hours may face legal consequences.
Malaysia has a population of 34 million, with around 20.6 million being Muslims. In addition to the Muslim population, the country is also home to significant ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities. These minorities include Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus, as well as indigenous communities.
Muslim devotees offer night prayers marking the start of Islam's holy fasting month of Ramadan at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta on March 11, 2024.
Muslim devotees offer night prayers marking the start of Islam's holy fasting month of Ramadan at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta on March 11, 2024.
Adek Berry/AFP/Getty Images
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Muslims around the world observe Ramadan. In certain countries, they follow sharia law for social matters like marriage, divorce, and fasting. This legal system is federal and differs from state to state.
During Ramadan, religious police increase their presence, patrolling the streets and keeping a close watch on popular eateries to enforce the fasting rules. They may even go undercover to catch rule-breakers.
Anyone caught eating or drinking during daylight hours could be fined up to 1,000 Malaysian Ringgit (about $200) and face a prison sentence of up to one year. Non-Muslims who sell food, drinks, or tobacco to Muslims during fasting hours may also be penalized.
Arrest figures for this year have not been released yet. However, in 2023, religious officials in Malacca, a popular tourist spot, reported nearly 100 arrests of Muslims caught eating in public during the fasting month. This was a significant increase from the 41 arrests made the year before.
According to the chairman of the state's Islamic Religious Department, JAIM, more than 10 "hotspots" were identified throughout Malacca this year.
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Rahmad Mariman has announced that there will be increased monitoring and inspections at popular bars, restaurants, malls, and parks. In a statement, Mariman stated that JAIM enforcement officers will be detaining Muslims found eating in public and taking action against traders who sell food to them.
In the state of Perak up north, the Gerik Islamic Religious Department (JAIPK) decided to use TikTok to share videos of their inspections and fasting raids conducted by religious officers in March. In one video, JAIPK officers in their black and white uniforms and reflective vests visited an open-air eatery in Gerik during the day to question restaurant staff and catch Muslims purchasing food. The video had a spaghetti western soundtrack playing in the background.
One man, wearing a blue motorcycle helmet with his face blurred in the video, was spotted running away from the restaurant carrying a plastic bag of food.
JAIPK, in a caption that accompanied their viral TikTok video, clarified that the footage was not a staged reenactment by professionals. The video captured real events from their recent operations and has garnered over 1.7 million views, sparking thousands of comments since it was shared on March 15.
Supporters of the Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS) gather for a rally, dressed in the party's signature green colors.
A man runs away from a religious police raid on a restaurant in the state of Perak. Image taken from a video of the raid that was released on TikTok by local authorities.
padgerik33300/TikTok
‘Heightened tensions’
Malaysia has traditionally followed a moderate form of Islam, like many countries in South and Southeast Asia. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in religious conservatism.
Experts point to the ultra-conservative hardline Islamist political party PAS as a key player in this shift. PAS made significant progress during Malaysia's 2023 general election and now holds considerable sway in the conservative states in the northern region of the country.
PAS party leader Hadi Awang, who is also a religious teacher, often shows his backing for stricter sharia laws.
CNN contacted several state religious bodies in Malaysia for their opinions. A religious enforcement officer from Malacca mentioned that there have been more raids conducted this year at different roadside stalls, restaurants, and parks compared to the previous years of 2023 and 2022.
"It is important for us to safeguard the reputation of Islam at this critical juncture," mentioned the male officer, who preferred not to disclose his name since he was not allowed to speak with the international press.
He also emphasized that not every situation leads to arrests. "We should also demonstrate empathy, especially on scorching days when we notice individuals drinking water - sometimes it's unavoidable."
Supporters of the Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS) gather for a rally, dressed in the party's signature green colors.
Moral policing during Ramadan has been a long-standing issue in the country, as highlighted by Malaysian women's rights group Sisters in Islam. They are against religious policing and also raise concerns about the controversial "khalwat" laws.
Close proximity laws, also known as "close proximity laws", differ from state to state and are a part of the civil sharia legislation that specifically applies to Muslims. These laws are enforced to charge unmarried couples who are considered to be too intimate with each other. 
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Wearing a rainbow Swatch watch in Malaysia could lead to a 3-year jail sentence. On March 8, religious police conducted a raid at a luxury condominium in Kuala Lumpur. They arrested two actors, a married man and a single woman, under these laws. This incident gained a lot of attention from the local media.
Media reports said complaints were made to the state religious department, sparking a national scandal. Conservative politicians expressed their disapproval, and the celebrities involved issued public apologies.
According to Sisters in Islam, there has been a noticeable increase in the overzealous implementation of religious laws in recent years.
SIS spokeswoman Ameena Siddiqi expressed concern over the acts of moral policing, stating that they violate personal freedoms and create a distorted image of Islam, raising important questions.
Siddiqi also pointed out that during Ramadan, public schools in Malaysia often close their canteens, limiting options for students to eat and rest during the day.
Siddiqi mentioned that non-Muslim students have been put in situations where they feel pressured to eat their meals in the restroom to avoid offending their fasting classmates. This, along with the sensitivities surrounding fasting, has led to increased tensions.
Adding to the issue, Siddiqi stated that restaurants and food establishments have turned away pregnant women during Ramadan, which contradicts the inclusive nature of Islam.
Muslims with eating disorders can struggle during Ramadan, when the ritual of fasting from sunrise to sunset can mask restrictive dieting patterns.
Muslim women perform Tarawih prayers at Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan on March 22, 2024, in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Anisah Mahmood, a 42-year-old mother of two from Kuala Lumpur who now lives in London, shared that she was suspended by her company back in 2018. The reason? She was caught eating in public while breastfeeding at the same time.
"There are many valid medical reasons for not fasting," she explained. "Unfortunately, in Malaysia, there is a lack of understanding and people who are tired or sick are often shamed and made to feel guilty."
The topic of closed school canteens has been a controversial one for years and was recently brought up in parliament by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Muslims with eating disorders can struggle during Ramadan, when the ritual of fasting from sunrise to sunset can mask restrictive dieting patterns.
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For Muslims with eating disorders, fasting during Ramadan can present additional challenges. According to one student, non-Muslim students should not have to eat in storerooms or other unsuitable places when canteens are accessible.
PAS criticized her comments. According to PAS lawmaker Haji Ahmad Bin Yahaya, it is common for everyone to respect those who are fasting and children who are still learning to fast.
Ramadan can be a challenging time for those who find it difficult to fast or follow the practices of their religion.
Yusuf, a 30-year-old Malay Muslim from Johor, shared a story about being caught purchasing food during Ramadan by religious authorities in 2019.
“As long as you look Malay, you must fast during Ramadan – those are the rules,” Yusuf told CNN.
He asked not to publish his full name and age given the sensitivities of the topic.
"It can be challenging to admit when you don't fast, especially in Malaysia," he mentioned.
"I make an effort to fast regularly, but it can be mentally exhausting and sometimes feels nearly impossible when all you crave is a cup of coffee or a cigarette to help you get through the day."
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the increased moral policing during Ramadan in Malaysia, reflecting a trend towards conservatism in the country. The enforcement of fasting rules by religious authorities, including raids and arrests, has drawn criticism from some who argue that it violates personal freedoms and creates a distorted image of Islam.
Furthermore, the article discusses the challenges faced by non-Muslims and those with medical conditions during Ramadan, as well as the impact on Muslim individuals who may struggle with fasting. The implementation of close proximity laws and the pressure on public schools to close canteens during the holy month have also raised concerns about inclusivity and the well-being of students. The article emphasizes the need for greater understanding and empathy during Ramadan, while respecting the religious practices of all individuals.
