KUALA LUMPUR – Shariah courts nationwide can continue to operate as usual from June 15, after the National Security Council listed judicial matters as permitted activities during the movement control order 3.0 period.
Malaysian shariah judiciary department director-general Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who is also shariah chief judge, said however, the operation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) of shariah courts in states are under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments.
“At our level, we are trying to standardise (the SOPs) but it depends on the respective state governments to allow the shariah courts to operate and (and to decide) on the SOPs,” 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 in the shariah court,” 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 shariah court’s website or social media accounts. For legal consultations, they can also contact sharie lawyers or court hotline for assistance,” he said. – Bernama, June 18, 2021
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