In Klang, Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar announced the conclusion of the government’s engagement session with states regarding the proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355). These amendments include proposals to increase penalties for syariah criminal offences.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) stressed the importance of states’ involvement, as matters related to Islam are rights granted to the states as per the Constitution. Currently, syariah courts have the authority to sentence individuals to a maximum of three years’ imprisonment, a fine up to RM5,000, or six strokes of whipping for offences under Islamic law.
“Under the current law, syariah criminal offences like insulting religion cannot be punished beyond these limits. As the minister overseeing this matter, I am working towards amending the act, which has not been revised since 1984,” he stated during the Jalinan Kasih Yayasan Kita Anak Malaysia breaking-of-fast event.
Dr Mohd Na’im responded to Umno Youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh’s suggestion to have the Umno supreme council file a motion in Parliament to increase penalties for those who insult religion. He explained that the syariah law, applicable only to Muslim offenders, will be strengthened through amendments to the act, which will be presented following due processes.
He clarified that if non-Muslims insult Islam, the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the police, prosecution, and civil courts. If amendments are made to the 1965 Act in response to Dr Akmal Saleh’s comments, states will have the freedom to revise their enactments and syariah criminal laws to expand the scope of punishment, particularly for those who insult Islam.
Moreover, Dr Mohd Na’im disclosed that 14,000 asnaf students and orphans nationwide will each benefit from RM252.80 in school aid through the Taqwa-MAIWP Foundation’s Jom Ke Sekolah (JKS) 2024 programme, totaling RM2.1 million. This assistance, comprising school bags, stationery, and cash, aims to offer support, relief, and happiness while easing the financial burden on parents during the school season. – Bernama
