Penang Tabung Haji director Rozimin Ahamed Kamil and a female staff member pleaded not guilty in the syariah magistrate’s court in Balik Pulau today to a charge of ‘khalwat’ (close proximity).

Rozimin, 46, and Nor Hamiza Ahmad, 35, were charged with committing the offence at Room 328C of a hotel at the Tabung Haji Complex in Bayan Lepas at 6.10pm on May 20.

Rozimin was charged under Section 27(a) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (State of Penang) Enactment 1996 and Nor Hamiza, under Section 27(b) of the same act, which provide a fine of up to RM3,000 or a maximum two-year imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.

Syariah Judge Mohamed Zaidi Abdullah set bail at RM1,500 for each of them and fixed June 27 for mention of the case.

Rozimin and Nor Hamiza were represented by counsel Wan Faridulhadi Mohd Yusoff while the prosecution was handled by chief syariah prosecutor Mohd Zulkhairi Aziz.

- Bernama