Jubilee park: The tactic of using a snooker centre as a 'port' for Muslims who skip fasting was uncovered when a team from the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) raided the premises and detained eight individuals in 'Ops Ponteng' at the Jubilee Park area here today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, JAIPk chief religious enforcement officer Ashraf Ismail stated that the operation was carried out after about a week of surveillance, with the venue believed to have been used as a gathering spot for Muslims who were not fasting. Five individuals were detained for committing offences under Section 24 of the Perak Syariah Criminal Enactment 1992 for disrespecting Ramadan.

Another person was detained for alleged gambling under Section 26 of the same enactment, while two others are being investigated under Section 61 for abetment, involving offences related to gambling and disrespecting Ramadan. Those detained were aged between 36 and 59, with most claiming they were unwell or had only stopped by briefly at the premises.

One of those detained claimed he had only stopped by to use the toilet, and sat for a while to watch others and denied smoking. This is an excuse often heard during operations. When presented with video evidence of him smoking, he finally admitted to the offence. It was also discovered that food was provided at the location, with some of it given free of charge.

Those detained were taken to the JAIPk office for further investigation before action is taken, including the possibility of being placed under a surety bond. Enforcement operations will be stepped up throughout Ramadan, focusing on three main offences: disrespecting Ramadan under Section 24, gambling under Section 26, and collecting charity funds without the council's permission under Section 43 of the Perak Syariah Criminal Enactment 1992.