Fast-food and 24-hour restaurants have been identified as favourite joints for non-fasting Muslims to get their food during Ramadan.

Federal Territory Islamic Department (Jawi) chief enforcement officer Wan Jaafar Wan Ahmad said the five hotspots are Jalan Semarak, Pusat Bandar Damansara, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Wangsa Maju and Bandar Permaisuri, Cheras.

"They choose to buy and eat in fast-food and 24-hour restaurants as nobody dares to question their actions.

"However, some were brave enough to eat at roadside stalls without feeling embarrassed. They have no respect for Ramadan," he told Bernama .

Operations conducted since June 18 nabbed 28 individuals for smoking and eating in public and selling food to Muslims, more than the 18 detained last year.

Wan Jaafar said most of those nabbed claimed to be ill and had to take regular medication, while some said they missed their sahur (pre-dawn meal).

"Some of them claimed to be construction labourers, drivers traveling on the road and suffering from gastritis.

"We could not be bothered by their reasons as our action was because they did not respect Ramadan by eating in public," he said.

He said those who sell food said they were just meeting the request of regular customers and also to avoid a reduced income.

Offenders may be prosecuted under the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territory) Act 1997 which provides for maximum jail of six months or a fine of not more RM1,000, or both.

- Bernama