PAS' proposal to implement public caning against Muslims committing zina after Friday prayers may have ignited controversy but it is still finding notable support among the Malay Muslim community.

A quick survey in Kuala Lumpur found several people supportive of the idea, arguing it will be a deterrent for those who commit pre-marital sex and adultery

The suggestion, not provided for under the existing Syariah Criminal Code (II) Enactment 1993 in Kelantan (Kelantan hudud law), was first proposed by the state PAS Ulama chief Hassan Mahmood, and endorsed by the state government.

For teacher Wan Rahim Wan Ali, he supported the proposal because the punishment is provided for under hudud and making it a public event will act as a deterrent.

"To curb zina from becoming widespread like a virus, we need to carry out this punishment; it is compulsory.

"If one is punished publicly, it will cause fear in others and they will be afraid of committing the crime," said the 52-year-old.

Wan Rahim said that non-Muslims who get involved in zina with Muslims should also receive equal punishment but that it should be carried out by the civil courts.

He added that that the implementation in Kelantan can serve as an example to other states.

"It will be up to the respective state authorities to decide, but they can look at the effects in Kelantan first (before they follow suit),” he said.

‘Enforce on non-Muslim partners’

Meanwhile, 28-year-old engineer Mohd Shahrizal Mohd Saad described the proposal for public caning as "good", saying it would be more effective than existing laws.

"I see this punishment will be more effective compared to existing punishments, which will ultimately deter such crimes," he said.

Shahmimi Abdul Aziz, 30, was also supportive of public caning for zina offenders, adding that it should be carried out nationwide.

"Every state should implement it. Enforcement should also be done on the offenders' non-Muslim partners; the punishment must be fair," said the businesswoman.

Housewife Saliza Abdul Aziz supported public caning to be meted out to the non-Muslim partner caught in the act.

She said It will cause people to think twice before committing such acts.

"It will make people more cautious and only have 'halal' relationships. There is no need for zina," the 42-year-old added.

However, syariah laws, including hudud, has no jurisdiction over non-Muslims. Neither is consensual sex outside of marriage – unless with a minor – a crime for non-Muslims under civil law.

Harsher call for ‘100 lashes’

For 36-year-old Nik Amir Abdullah, even public caning is not enough.

The private sector worker said Kelantan’s suggestion falls short and is not in strict accordance with hudud law.

"I disagree (with the Kelantan's proposal). By right, the offender should be lashed 100 times as set out in hudud law," he said.

However, Nik said he will concur with the Kelantan proposal if it’s the best it can do at this point of time.

He also suggested the punishment to be carried out at public places so the young can witness it too.

"It's better do to it at public markets as people of all ages will be there (to witness) but if we do it at the mosque, not everyone, particular the young, can see it.

‘Traumatising for children’

Some Muslims, however, are not comfortable with such punishments.

A woman who only wanted to be known as Nurul said while she supported caning, turning it into a public affair was not something she would support.

“It should be done but not in public... If children see it, it will be traumatising," she said.

She proposed an alternative - to publish the names of offenders in the newspaper.

Intan Rafiza Abu Bakar, who is in the performing arts, was against caning, whether in public or private.

She said such punishment is unfair to the lower class as those at the top would often get away with zina.

"The punishment is only for the lower and working class; the upper class will escape," she said.

The mother of one added that social issues such as zina can be deterred not through corporal punishment but through early education.

"Sex and moral education should be done from an early age for children in school," she said.

Businessman Abdul Rahim Abdul Manaf asked for more consultation with learned scholars.

"The implementation of such punishment needs to be considered and more input should be sought from other religious scholars before it is implemented," said the 60-year-old businessman.

PAS' Hassan, who is also Tawang state assemblyperson, had proposed public caning for zina offenders at mosques after Friday prayers.

The Kelantan government welcomed the proposal, stating that it will study the matter.

However, the proposal has received criticism including from MCA Wanita chief Heng Seai Kie.