Chief Justice officiates new Mukah Court Complex

SIBU (April 7): Access to the judicial system in central Sarawak marked a significant milestone with the official opening of the new Mukah Court Complex by Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh yesterday.

According to the Mukah Court, the new complex forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve the delivery of judicial services, particularly following previous periods of transition and temporary placement.

“The existence of this court reflects the judiciary’s continued commitment to ensuring more efficient access to justice for the local community.

“Mukah Court now operates with more modern and conducive facilities to support smooth proceedings and enhance the user experience,” it said during a briefing.

Previously, the Mukah Court functioned as a Circuit Court under the supervision of the Sibu and Bintulu courts, with judges and magistrates attending proceedings on a scheduled basis.

The Mukah Court also underwent an operational relocation in June 2025, after the directive to vacate its old premises, before gradually resuming full operations at its new site earlier this year.

The new facilities include a more complete courtroom, comfortable waiting areas, and direct access from lockup to the dock, which is expected to enhance safety and efficiency in case management, it said.

Meanwhile, the Mukah Court revealed an upward trend in case registrations at the Magistrates’ Court-level over the past three years.

“Civil case registrations increased to 121 cases in 2025 from 103 cases in 2023; criminal cases were steady with 90 cases in 2023, 91 cases in 2024, and 91 cases in 2025; and as at March 31, the Sessions Court here has five criminal cases and 23 civil cases pending,” it said.

The Chief Justice’s working visit also provided an avenue for court management to present the latest operational developments and future needs to further strengthen the judicial system in the division.

Also present were Court of Appeal president Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais; Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Azizah Nawawi; Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Seri Hashim Hamzah; Sibu High Court judge Amelati Parnell; Sibu High Court judicial commissioner Alvin Leong Yin Yuan; Federal Court chief registrar Azhaniz Teh Azman Teh; Mukah deputy resident Shafrie Saili; and Mukah district police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias.