In Terengganu, Malaysia, religious authorities have ordered a 42-year-old man to undergo public caning for the offense of khalwat, marking the first instance of such punishment in the state. The man, a construction worker and father of five, received six lashes after being caught three times in violation of the local laws. This ruling has sparked significant backlash, with critics accusing the state of acting like the 'Taliban' in its enforcement of Islamic law. The ruling party, PAS, which has governed Terengganu since 2018, aims to elevate Islamic law within the state. Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, a representative of PAS, stated that the punishment is intended to educate the public about the consequences of such actions. However, rights group Sisters in Islam condemned the act as barbaric and a violation of human rights. Terengganu previously made headlines in 2018 when two women were caned for attempting lesbian sex, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the application of sharia law in the region. The recent caning incident has reignited discussions about the balance between religious practices and human rights in Malaysia. [a523a184]