Courts to reopen tomorrow

PUTRAJAYA: The reopening of court complexes from tomorrow will be done with a strict standard operating procedure (SOP) in place which includes the wearing of face masks at all times, says the Chief Registrar’s Office.

The reopening of open court hearings will see the high-profile trial of 1Malaysia Development Sdn Bhd (1MDB) involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak resuming on May 18 after a two-month break due to the movement control order.

In a statement yesterday, the Chief Registrar’s Office noted that face masks, though compulsory, would not be provided to those attending court.

Those entering the court complexes would also be scanned for body temperature.

The Chief Registrar’s Office also said those attending court were required to download and complete the court visitor form from the judiciary’s website for contact tracing purposes.

The visitor forms are also available at the court premises.

“Each and every court throughout Malaysia will only have one point of entry into the respective premises.

“Only those who have business with the court will be allowed to enter. In criminal cases, only one family member will be allowed to enter the court premises.

“Only one client per party is allowed to be in the court building during the hearing of their case, ” it added.

Witnesses or parties to a proceeding will only be allowed into the court premises 30 minutes before the hearing begins.

As there will be limited seating and space in open court, all parties are required to sit within the

borders marked on the seats to maintain social distancing.

The judiciary said the guideline was in line with the precautionary measures implemented by the government to contain the spread of Covid-19.

“All parties are required to check their case status before coming to court. Parties are encouraged to file documents through e-filing at courts which have the e-filing service, ” it said.

Chief Justice Tan Sri Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat recently announced that open court hearings would resume in stages throughout the country in line with the conditional MCO from May 4 which saw the reopening of several business sectors.

For further information regarding the judiciary’s SOP, visit www.kehakiman.gov.my. - Star