By Nurin Patra
KUCHING: The newly launched I-Syariah System positions Sarawak Syariah judiciary as a pioneer in digitalising Syariah court services using advanced technology and artificial intelligence.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the system goes beyond mere technical upgrades, reflecting the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department’s (JKSS) strong commitment to the Sarawak government’s broader digitalisation agenda.
“This initiative by JKSS, in collaboration with Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS),
is in line with the vision of a World Class Civil Service, which emphasises efficiency, transparency, and world-class public service delivery.
“The I-Syariah System also enhances e-Government through secure online access and digital case management, forming a key foundation for inclusive services based on Islamic principles and supporting Sarawak’s goal of better public service delivery.
“More importantly, this step aligns with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, which, among other things, outlines the need to expand digital transformation to all sectors, including the administration of Syariah law and judiciary.”
Awang Tengah said this when officiating the Sarawak National Syariah Convention (KoSKeS) 2025, held in conjunction with the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) 70th anniversary, representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Dewan Kompleks Islam Sarawak on Tuesday (June 24).
He added that the convention and innitiative reflects Sarawak’s commitment to pioneering progressive Islamic judicial system in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), while also supporting the goal of becoming a high-income economy by 2030 under the PCDS 2030.
“I-Syariah not only speeds up processes such as marriage registration and case management but also serves as a digital bridge connecting the people with the Syariah judicial institution across borders, both within and outside Malaysia.
“However, what is most crucial is that these advancements must remain in line with the principles of Shariah and the values of Maqasid Syariah, which place justice as the core of legal enforcement.
“We want to see this I-Syariah system become a model for the adoption of advanced, fair, integral, and holistic technology.”
In this regard, Awang Tengah also expressed hope that the convention would serve as a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge, experience, and innovation among regional countries, as well as create opportunities for productive dialogue among Syariah judges, academics, researchers, and policymakers to further strengthen the Syariah judiciary.
“Let this convention be a foundation for building closer regional cooperation, so that we can share expertise and innovation for the benefit of the ummah as a whole.”
Awang Tengah also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and memorandum of agreement (MoA) between JKSS and three universities, namely Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), and Universiti Malaya (UM).
