Shariah courts now open but under strict SOPs

 

Shariah courts nationwide have been allowed to operate as usual since June 15.

KUALA LUMPUR: Shariah courts nationwide have been allowed to continue to operate as usual since June 15, after the National Security Council (MKN) listed judicial matters as permitted activities during the current lockdown.

Syariah judiciary department director-general Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who is also shariah chief judge, said however, that the operation and SOP for shariah courts in states are under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments.

“At our level, we are trying to standardise (the SOP) but it depends on the respective state governments to allow the shariah courts to operate and (to decide) on the SOP,” he told Bernama.

Na’im said previously, there were shariah court proceedings conducted online but it depended on the agreement of all quarters including the court, judge, lawyers and clients.

“This is because currently, there are no specific legal provisions related to online proceedings for shariah courts,” he said.

Meanwhile, Na’im advised the public to check with their respective shariah courts on whether they can come directly or need to set an appointment.

“They can visit the (respective) shariah court’s website or social media accounts. For legal consultations, they can also contact shariah lawyers or the court hotline for assistance,” he said. - FMT