Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society/Volume 85/"Berkluat"—A Trengganu Custom
"Berkluat"—A Trengganu Custom.
The offence known is "Berkluat" is peculiar to the state of Trengganu alone in British Malaya. Should a man and woman be seen to exchange an affectionate glance, they may thereupon be arrested without warrant, charged with "Berkluat," and sentenced to as much as 3 months imprisonment. The giving of the "glad eye" is therefore a matter of some danger in Trengganu.
The local dignitaries, who are mostly of Arabic extraction are said to be opposed to the abolition of this charge, though it is a fruitful source of blackmail. As most of these magnates possess a plurality of wives, it is rather pedantic on their part to object to a little ogling between couples of humble origin.
Perhaps they have in mind
"Apa guna pasang pelita
"Kalau tiada dengan sumbohnya?
"Apa guna bermain mata
"Jikalau tiada dengan sunggohnya?"