Some Muslim patrons coughed up peculiar reasons for consuming alcohol when two karaoke outlets were raided by the Federal Territories Islamic Affairs Department (Jawi).

According to Malay tabloid Harian Metro today, one of the reasons given was “feeling stressed because of the floods” in several states.

Among those detained, some claimed to not knowing they were consuming alcohol beverages while there were also those who said they were looking for “missing relatives”.

Jawi had raided the two premises in Taman Danau Desa, Kuala Lumpur, which employed female ‘guest relations officers’ or popularly known as GRO.

The article stated that Harian Metro reporters, who covered the raid, found that patrons paid up to RM100 to be “served by sexily dressed Muslim women”.

One of the GROs, identified only as Nita, 30, claimed that she needed the extra income to cope with her child’s heart ailment.

“I am working for pocket money and not to be touched by the patrons,” she said.

In the operation which lasted until 4am yesterday, a total of 40 men and 14 women between the ages of 25 and 40 were detained for various offences, including consumption of alcohol and close proximity (khalwat).

Jawi head of enforcement Jaafar Wan Ahmad said all those detained have been issued with notices to be present at the department’s headquarters for the process of prosecution and counseling.

“We have received numerous complaints from the public about the improper conduct of Muslims when celebrating the new year,” he said.

Jaafar said the raids were carried out to instill awareness in Muslims that their actions are against the tenets of Islam and counseling would be given in order for them to repent.

“If they fail to attend the counseling session without valid reasons, then we will take action such as issuing an arrest warrant,” he added.

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