Government efforts to enhance Syariah Law at final stage, says minister - Bernama

Government efforts to enhance syariah law is at final stage and will involve increasing the court levels and raising the penalty for offences.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said the State Islamic Religious Councils had agreed to increase the Syariah courts from three levels to five levels.

"We will create the Syariah Middle Court and the Syariah Appeal Council to add to the Syariah Lower Court, the Syariah High Court and the Syariah Appeal Court," he said when winding-up debate on the 2014 Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The government also plans to enhance the punishment meted by Syariah courts from the maximum three years jail, RM5,000 fine and six strokes presently.

"If this can be realised, it will be a blessing to the Muslim community and the future of the Syariah courts." - Bernama, November 11, 2013.