Jais undergoing restructuring to meet changing needs

KUCHING: The Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) is undergoing a major restructuring to better address evolving community needs.

This reflects the department’s commitment to staying aligned with current developments.

Jais director, Ustaz Mu’al Suaud, stated that the restructuring is part of its strategic plan, which was initiated this year and set to be completed within five years.

“We are committed to ensuring that the human capital within the religious department is developed perfectly.

“Because without well-trained officers to manage Islamic affairs, the implementation will not be successful,” he said at the Sarawak Syariah Law Enforcement Seminar, 2024, on Tuesday (Sept 3).

Furthermore, he added that enforcing Syariah law takes work, requiring a dedicated and solid team.

“There are seven ordinances related to the administration and enforcement of Syariah law that must be enforced in Sarawak.

“First, the Sarawak Islamic Council Ordinance, 2001; second, the Syariah Court Ordinance, 2001; third, the Syariah Civil Procedure Ordinance, 2001; fourth, the Syariah Evidence Ordinance, 2001; fifth, the Islamic Family Law Ordinance, 2001; sixth, the Syariah Criminal Procedure Ordinance, 2001; and seventh, the Syariah Criminal Offenses Ordinance, 2001,” he stated.

He emphasised that enforcing these seven ordinances requires a team of specialised enforcers who are focused, well-trained, and credible.

Mual also said that the Sarawak Syariah Law Enforcement Seminar, held at the Islamic Complex here, used to be known as the Syariah Law Enforcement Talk before it was rebranded.

“I am pleased by the solid response from the Muslim community in the previous talks, hence the rebranding, where we feature presenters who are highly skilled in their respective fields, particularly in matters related to faith, law, and those with law enforcement expertise,” he said.

The talk prior to the rebranding was since 2022, with the first session in Miri, followed by the second in Lawas and the third last year in Sibu.

Additionally, Mu’al said that Jais, in line with the age of digitalisation, has established an online complaint system known as the Syariah Offense Complaint System.

“Public members can report Syariah offences through our system using their own devices — easy, fast, and effective,” he added.

This method allows the public to file complaints, making it easier to report Syariah offences to Jais.

This initiative is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025.