Hanafiah Mat started off his inspection in Kemaman, but did not come across any non-fasting Muslims.

“This year, we want to bring down the number of ‘black plastic (bag) gangs’, as much as we can,” he told FMT, referring to the term used for non-fasting Muslims who hide their takeaways in a black plastic bag.

The Chukai assemblyman, who heads the welfare, women development, family and national unity committee, said he did not find any members of the “black plastic bag gang” as many constituents were aware of his spot checks.

“I have gone around the whole of Kemaman,” he said.

Hanafiah said that over the last 15 years, after he began his spot checks, he had nabbed a few non-fasting Muslims and handed them over to the state’s religious authorities for further action.

“What I do is no joke. I want to ensure that Muslims fast.

“I keep an eye on eateries patronised by Muslims. They normally go to Chinese shops,” he said, adding that he does not go on patrol every day.

Hanafiah said he was not bothered by criticisms about his religious policing as his main aim was to curb disobedience.

He said he was merely carrying out his responsibilities as a leader.

Earlier, Hanafiah uploaded a photo of himself “patrolling” the streets in a car on Facebook.

“Let’s go around Chukai and see if there are restaurants that are open and selling (food) to Muslims who are not fasting during Ramadan,” he wrote.

He also appealed to netizens to provide him the favourite haunts of those who skip fasting.

Last month, the Terengganu religious affairs department said it would be monitoring Muslims who bought food hours before the community breaks fast.