Syariah Courts to operate as usual with strict SOP

Malaysian Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSM) director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, who is also Syariah Chief Judge, said however, the operation and standard operating procedures (SOP) of Syariah 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 Syariah Courts to operate and (and to decide) on the SOP," he told Bernama.

Mohd Na'im said previously, there were Syariah 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 is no specific legal provision related to online proceedings in the Syariah Court," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Na'im advised the public to check with their respective Syariah Courts on whether they can come directly or need to set an appointment.

"They can visit the Syariah Court's website or social media accounts. For legal consultations, they can also contact syarie lawyers or court hotline for assistance," he said.