A joint initiative by the Selangor state government, Malaysian Bar, and Selangor Bar Council will give citizens in the state who are earning less than RM3,000 access to subsidised legal aid for civil cases.
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the Selangor Legal Aid Fund, amounting to RM1 million for a period of three years, was introduced to address the need of those unable to afford legal representation.
"We are working together with the Selangor Bar to offer assistance and support to Selangor citizens.
"This is to provide those who are unable to afford legal fees fair treatment and justice under the law. So their rights can be fulfilled," he said.
Amirudin was speaking at a press conference after launching the Petaling Jaya-leg of the state government's Jelajah Selangor Penyayang (Caring Selangor Tour).
He earlier symbolically launched and handed over a mock cheque for the Selangor Legal Aid fund to Malaysian Bar president Karen Cheah and Selangor Bar chairperson Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Selangor state executive councillor for socio-economic development, community welfare, and worker empowerment V Ganabatirau.
Met after the launch, Ganabatirau, who is in charge of coordinating the fund, said two current focus areas are civil cases surrounding family matters and workers issues.
"For each individual case, they will be subsidised RM1,500, while any class action suit will be subsidised up to RM2,000 maximum. The lawyers will be selected by the Selangor Bar.
"As of now, RM300,000 from the RM1 million fund has been channelled to the Selangor Bar. Right now, family law and workers’ issues are the priority," said the Kota Kemuning state assemblyperson.
The initiative was first announced under the Selangor Budget 2022.
'Over 7,000 lawyers involved'
Meanwhile, Kokila Vaani said the public may apply for subsidised legal aid at the Selangor Bar headquarters, service centres for Selangor state assemblypersons, local community centres, and other selected locations.
She said 7,352 lawyers registered in Selangor will be assigned on rotation to handle cases received under three main areas.
"For family matters, it will include custody (through) joint petition and single petition, also employment matters, and public interest cases," she explained.
She noted a rising trend of individuals caught in labour-related disputes due to the loss of jobs throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
On public interest matters including potential claims against the state government, she said they would be deliberated on a case-by-case basis.
The Selangor Legal Aid Fund is part of a list of initiatives by the state government.
The initiatives were promoted by state agencies in the Caring Selangor Tour carnival, held at the Petaling Jaya City Council today, before moving to other districts in the coming weeks. - Mkini
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