KUCHING: The establishment of the Sarawak Syariah Prosecution Department (JPSS), which began operations this year, marks a significant step to strengthen integrity and professionalism in syariah prosecution.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the formation of JPSS, approved by the state government, represents an important reform in its Syariah legal administration.
“Previously, syariah prosecution was under the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS). However, with the establishment of JPSS, the governance of syariah prosecution has been separated to ensure that integrity and professionalism in syariah prosecution are upheld,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the opening of the Sarawak Syariah Legal Year 2026 dinner at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here on Thursday (Jan 22).
He added that the state government would ensure JPSS is backed by qualified personnel, continuous training and a strong organisational structure.
“The government will ensure that this department is supported by qualified human resources, continuous training, and a strong organisational structure so that it can function effectively and transparently,” he said.
On institutional reforms, Abang Johari welcomed the establishment of the Syariah Supreme Court of Sarawak, which elevates the Syariah Court hierarchy from three to four levels, describing it as a strategic move to enhance governance and public trust in the syariah justice system.
However, he stressed that such structural improvements must be accompanied by enhanced training, adequate infrastructure and sufficient human resources to ensure efficiency and service excellence.
“Accordingly, the state government will continue to ensure that the establishment and implementation of the Syariah Supreme Court are supported by quality human resources, continuous training, and appropriate facilities so that this institution can continue to deliver excellent services to the people,’ he said.
He also welcomed efforts by the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS), together with the Sarawak Syariah Lawyers Association (PPSS) and the State Attorney General Chambers (SAG), to draft the Sarawak Syariah Legal Profession Ordinance.
“I welcome this effort to enhance the Syariah legal profession and subsequently enable it to provide the best syariah legal services to the community,” he said.
Abang Johari further highlighted the importance of cooperation between Sarawak, other states and the federal government, noting the presence of judges from the Sarawak Syariah Court of Appeal and chief syariah judges from across Malaysia.
“Although Sarawak is unique in many aspects, I am of the view that we cannot work in silos. Any best practices implemented by other states should be examined and, if appropriate, adopted in Sarawak,” he said.
