The Federal Territories Religious Department (Jawi) is open to reviewing its standard operating procedures on enforcement activities carried out against various syariah-related offences.

In a statement today, Jawi director Mohd Ajib Ismail said the department's focus has always been on efforts to prevent vice through informing Muslims about offences under syariah law.

"Jawi as an agency that carries out enforcement activities as provided for under the law, and it has exercised its powers in a very careful and thorough manner, according to an SOP.

"However, if there are any weaknesses, the SOP can be evaluated and reviewed from time to time to ensure its effectiveness, with added improvements if deemed necessary," he said.

"At this point in time, the aspect of prevention has been Jawi's primary focus, with the intention to inform Muslims to not commit any offences under existing syariah laws.

"Therefore, enforcement will only be carried out as a last resort to prevent further spread of vice activities," he added.

Jawi's statement today was issued in response to de facto Islamic Affairs Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa initially being reported as indicating an end to late night vice raids by state religious authorities.

Ajib also reiterated Mujahid's statement from today, where the minister said that his remarks in an interview with The Star were misinterpreted.

Mujahid had stressed that he never uttered the words in the article's headline – "No more night khalwat raids or intrusion into Muslims' private lives says Mujahid."