Sarawak Syariah Prosecution Dept begins operations, functions separated from Jais

KUCHING (Jan 23): The Sarawak Syariah Prosecution Department (JPSS) has begun operations this year, with prosecution functions now separated from the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (Jais).

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government approved the formation of JPSS to safeguard professionalism and institutional integrity.

“The Sarawak government will ensure that this department is supported by qualified human resources, continuous training, and a solid structure so that it functions effectively and transparently,” he at the Opening of the Sarawak Syariah Legal Year 2026 dinner on Thursday.

He lauded the establishment of the Sarawak Syariah Supreme Court, which expanded the court hierarchy from three to four tiers, describing it as a strategic move to strengthen governance and enhance public confidence in the Syariah judicial system.

The Sarawak government remains committed to supporting the Syariah legal ecosystem through continuous capacity building, adequate infrastructure, and close collaboration among key stakeholders, he said.

In addition, he welcomed ongoing efforts to draft the Sarawak Syarie Legal Profession Ordinance, aimed at elevating professional standards and improving legal services to the community.

He said the ordinance is being drafted by Sarawak Syariah Judicial Department (JKSS) in collaboration with the Sarawak Syariah Lawyers Association (PPSS), and the State Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAG).

On a related matter, he reiterated the importance of making the Syariah justice system more accessible and people-friendly, including through simplified procedures, the use of clear and easily understood language, and improved access to syarie legal aid and early advisory services.

Such measures, he said, are aligned with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which emphasises social inclusivity, good governance, and the principle that no one should be left behind.

He also pointed out that judicial independence must be protected from external pressures, including public opinion and social media influence, to allow judges to decide cases fairly based on facts, evidence, and the law.

The event was graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and attended by judges, legal officers, and representatives from Syariah legal institutions across Sarawak and Malaysia.

Abang Johari lead Sarawak Syariah Prosecution Department Sarawak Syariah Supreme Court