JEDDAH, 24 October 2003 — The Interior Ministry has advised non-Muslim foreign residents to respect the feelings of Muslims during the fasting month of Ramadan by refraining from eating, drinking and smoking in public places. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry warned that punitive actions including termination of contract and deportation would be taken against violators. The ministry urged private companies to inform their foreign employees of the rule and the consequences of violating it. Ramadan starts on Oct. 26 or 27, depending on the sighting of the moon.