As most Muslims welcome the month of Ramadan with terawih and other prayers, something else occurred in Alor Setar.

A part-time model was caught allegedly committing 'khalwat' (close proximity) with her partner at a hotel in Lebuhraya Darulaman, Alor Setar, last night.

The 24-year-old woman who is believed to be residing in Selangor came to Kedah to meet with her 25-year-old lover from Langgar, Alor Setar.

The couple claimed that they planned to get married by the end of the year and gave the excuse that they were getting ready to watch the World Cup match at a 24-hour restaurant.

Islamic Religious Department of Kedah (JAIK) chief assistant director, Syeikh Mohd Roshidi Mahmud who led the operation, said that the couple was caught during an operation between 11pm to 2am.

The investigators found that the couple did not have any legally binding agreement.

Meanwhile, at another operation in a hotel on Jalan Putra, JAIK officers rounded up a few other couples.

They were brought to the Religious Offices of Kota Setar to give their statements, and released to their families on bail.

Mohd Roshdi said, they will continue their operation to combat vices committed during the holy month of Ramadan and to curb immorality among the youth and Muslims in the state.