“The Haia teams will chase only people who are involved in crimes such as kidnapping women and children,” he said.

The Haia chief was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a workshop for the commission's field workers. Grand Mufti Sheik Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh also addressed the gathering. More than 500 field workers from Riyadh province took part in the First Guidance Program held at the conference hall of King Abdul Aziz Historical Center, Al-Eqtisadiah daily reported yesterday.

Al-Asheikh said the commission is currently taking stock of all vehicles used by Haia squads in various regions of the Kingdom. “After completing the exercise, we will review the activities of these squads and decide whether to improve on their performance or cease their activities altogether,” he said.

While reemphasizing his earlier position of taking a lenient attitude in dealing with people, the Haia chief said the field teams should note down the number of vehicles and inform the traffic police if they noticed any minor crimes or normal excesses.

“However, if they noticed any serious crimes, they should pursue the suspects. Citizens who witness such crimes are also advised to do the same,” he said. 

The Haia president urged citizens to approach the Haia offices if they had any grievances about the misconduct of the organization's field members. “The doors of Haia offices are always open to anyone who has had a bad experience with our members. If they did not get justice, they could approach my office,” he said.

About conflicting reports on allowing single men to enter shopping malls, the Haia chief admitted that the decision to prevent this had been a grave mistake. “Shopping malls are open to all and there is nothing that prevents either young men or families from entering them. If anybody is doing so, it is unacceptable,” he said while hinting that some mall owners, and not Haia staff, are behind this.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Sattam recently approved a decision to lift the ban on single men visiting shopping malls in the capital city during peak hours, especially on weekends. A committee, made up of local officials and representatives of the Haia, took the decision.

In his speech, Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh urged the Haia field workers to be lenient while dealing with people.

“You should be wise and considerate and not hasty while issuing rulings. Don’t quarrel with female shoppers if you find any unacceptable behavior on their part,” he said while stressing that gentle behavior and good admonition reflecting a feeling of Islamic brotherhood should prevail.