This article discusses the role played by Islamic Religious Council and Malay Customs of Kelantan (MAIK) to solve social and moral ills in Kelantan before the Second World War.This was done through laws and regulations made by MAIK. Emphasis are given to the Notice No. 26 of 1916 andthe Notice No.3 of 1919 promulgated by MAIK. Notice No. 26 of 1916 gave certain powers to MAIK. The Religious Council could arrest individuals without warrant, admonishing them, banishing prostitutes and pimps, as well as meting out imprisonment and fines. Furthermore, the paperalso looksat the efficacy of the punishment by analysing Notice No.3of1919since it enhanced punishments against prostitutes and pimps.This paper draws its data and information on the social and moral issues in Kelantan from official papers, especially the reports of the MAIK, Kelantan Hall's (Balai/Dewan) Office and Kelantan Minister's Office. These laws showed that MAIK, since its establishment in 1915, had tried its best to curb social and moral ills among Kelantan population at that time.Hopefully, our article will contribute to opening a new area in Malaysian social history and gender studies.
Volume 11 | 08-Special Issue
Pages: 2525-2530