The prosecution department which was previously under the jurisdiction of the State Islamic Affairs Department (JAIN) will be separated and made into a new department.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said this would ensure that the prosecution process in the syariah court was more transparent, planned and systematic.

He said so far, the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department (JAWI) had separated its prosecution department after approval had been given by the Cabinet.

"However, the establishment of the new department in every state is still subject to the state authorities.

"It depends on the state because the religious department is the right of the states," he told reporters after attending the Convention of Malaysian Islamic Affairs Officials and Syariah Officials here.

The convention was launched by Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.