Jais proposes new measures to strengthen enforcement team

KUCHING (Sept 4): The Sarawak Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) has proposed that all new syariah enforcement officers undergo training similar to that of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

According to Jais director Mual Suaud, this is one of three recommendations that the department is submitting to the government for consideration.

In addition to the training, it is also proposed that the number of syariah enforcement posts across Sarawak be increased to 62, from the current XX.

“It is suggested that uniforms be provided to the team as a form of identification.

“With the strengthening of our syariah enforcement unit, we believe that more initiatives can be carried out effectively and many investigation papers can be opened, especially for cases involving marriages and crimes against ‘syariah’ (Islamic laws).

“In terms of marriages, the cases are related to matters like divorces, while the crimes against syariah involve those concerning morality, ethics and faith, including ‘khalwat’ (close proximity), ‘zina’ (out-of-marriage sex and adultery), consumption of alcoholic substance, gambling, deviant teachings, and spreading of false doctrines,” he said in his remarks for the opening ceremony of the state-level ‘2024 Syariah Law Enforcement Seminar’, carried out by Jais at Dewan Kompleks Islam here yesterday.

Adding on, Mual said with more investigation papers being processed, the role of syariah prosecutors was becoming increasingly significant, and the Syariah Courts’ role being more clearly justified as a vital institution.

“Without religious enforcement, there would be no prosecutions.

“Without prosecutions, the functions and roles of Syariah Courts would diminish. These three entities (enforcement, prosecution and Syariah Courts) are inter-dependent.

“Therefore, the strengthening of these three stands as a crucial agenda in the department’s strategic plan and should be given optimal priority,” he said.

There are seven ordinances related to syariah administration and enforcement in force in Sarawak: the Sarawak Islamic Council Ordinance 2001; Shariah Court Ordinance 2001; Shariah Procedure Ordinance 2001; Shariah Evidence Ordinance 2001; Islamic Family Law Ordinance 2001; Shariah Criminal Procedure Ordinance 2001; and Shariah Criminal Offences Ordinance 2001.

On the seminar, Mual said it was formerly known as the ‘Syariah Law Enforcement Discourse’, which kicked off the first session in Miri in 2022, followed by the second session in Lawas, and the third in Sibu that was run last year.

“However, seeing the strong reception from the Muslim community in the past series, the discourse has been rebranded as the ‘Syariah Law Enforcement Seminar’.

“This time, we are also featuring distinguished speakers and experts in their respective fields, particularly those related to faith, law, and enforcement,” said Mual.

The opening ceremony was performed by Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, also the state minister in charge of Islamic affairs.

He represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In the text-of-speech delivered by Dr Abdul Rahman, Abang Johari The Sarawak government remained committed to upholding and empowering its syariah enforcement agencies.

In stating this, the Premier specifically refers to Jais, Syariah Prosecution, and Syariah Courts.

“This is crucial because these departments are institutions responsible for upholding and implementing syariah law,” he said.

Adding on, Abang Johari said the principles of Islamic law meant to safeguard religion, life, lineage, intellect and property.

These principles, he said, aligned with the ‘Maqasid al Syariah’ – defined as ‘purposes, meanings and wisdoms set under syariah (laws), meant for protecting the welfare and wellbeing of humans’.

“In this context, we are fortunate to have an Islamic legal system that enables Muslims to live in accordance with syariah requirements.

“This (system) covers matters related to Islamic family law, ‘zakat’ (tithe), ‘fitrah’ (natural predisposition), charity, ‘waqf’ (endowment), ‘baitulmal’ (treasury), and syariah criminal law, among other aspects.”

Abang Johari also said in Malaysia, the application of Islamic law was clearly outlined in the Federal Constitution, the State Constitution, as well as in the relevant Acts, Ordinances, and Enactments.

Other guests attending the event yesterday were Syariah High Court Judge of the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department Mahiden Sah, and Sarawak Chief Religious Enforcement Officer and Jais Syariah Enforcement Division head Dr Awang Nib Zuhairi Awang Ahmad.