Face masks, social distancing among SOP as courts reopen

A health worker sprays disinfectant at the stairs leading into the Melaka court complex. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA: Those attending court sessions must wear face masks at all times, the Federal Court Chief Registrar’s Office says as open court hearings resume in stages this week after being shut down for nearly two months.

In a statement today, it added that masks would not be provided by the judiciary.

Body temperatures will also be scanned, and only those with temperatures below 38 degrees Celsius will be allowed to enter.

Parties to proceedings and members of the public are advised not to attend court if they are unwell.

The statement added that the judiciary would enforce strict health and safety standards in line with the government’s measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

All courts nationwide will only allow a single entry point into the premises.

“Only those who have business with the court will be allowed to enter,” it said.

“In criminal cases, only one family member will be allowed. Only one client per party is allowed to be in the court building during the hearing of their case.”

Everyone entering the courts will be required to download and fill a court visitor form for contact tracing purposes. These forms are available at the judiciary’s official website as well as the court premises.

Witnesses and parties to proceedings will only be allowed on court premises 30 minutes before case hearings begin.

“Witnesses are required to liaise with their respective police officers or lawyers prior to their case for court attendance and other matters on court premises,” the statement said.

Parties must also sit in the spaces marked to ensure social distancing.

Further information is available at the judiciary’s website, www.kehakiman.gov.my.

Counter services have also been available since the conditional movement control order was implemented on May 4. These include the registry, one-stop counter, commissioner for oaths counter, power of attorney counter, e-filing service bureau counter and the management and finance division of the responsibility and cost centres. - FMT