In 2021, the Federal Territories Syariah Lower Court introduced a fast track service that has successfully resolved cases, particularly divorces, within a day, according to Syariah Chief Judge of the Federal Territories Syariah Court (MSWP) Mohd Asri Tahir. This quick resolution is contingent upon both parties having a mutual agreement prior to registering the matter at the fast track counter. Once registered, the case will be presented before a judge, who will then provide a written order on the same day.
The types of cases handled by this expedited service include divorce applications, confirmation of divorce decrees, reconciliation confirmations, and the appointment of a legal guardian by the court, known as “wali hakim.” Before the introduction of this service, parties had to endure a 21-day wait to secure a mention date before the judge after filing their case in court.
Additionally, this service not only expedites case resolutions but also reduces the backlog of cases, improving service delivery to MSWP clients and the Federal Territories community overall, as noted by Mohd Asri. He further mentioned that the fast track service has now been extended to the Federal Territory Putrajaya Syariah Lower Court as well, starting from March 6.
It was reported that a total of 4,743 cases have been successfully resolved through the fast track service: 797 cases (100% resolved) in 2021, 1,660 cases (99.75% resolved) in 2022, and 2,286 cases (97.56% resolved) last year. MSWP has also designated a courtroom specifically for handling claims related to hadhanah, alimony, and criminal cases to ensure more efficient processing.
Meanwhile, Syariah lawyer Nur Hidayah A. Bakar expressed how this service can significantly reduce the time and costs associated with resolving cases for the involved parties. She mentioned that her clients have been pleased with the swift resolution of their cases, eliminating the need for multiple court appearances just to secure a date before the judge.
Siti Khadijah Abdullah, a private sector employee aged 45, shared her positive experience with the fast track service, particularly in aiding divorce cases. She recounted filing for divorce at the fast track counter, which was completed in a matter of hours. She emphasized the benefits of using the service when couples can agree on resolving domestic issues promptly.
This new approach has been well-received by individuals like Siti Khadijah and legal professionals like Nur Hidayah, underscoring the effectiveness and efficiency brought about by the Federal Territories Syariah Lower Court’s fast track service in resolving cases promptly and cost-effectively. It is an initiative that not only benefits the conflicting parties but also contributes to the overall improvement of case management and service delivery in the area.
