KUCHING: Sarawak’s Islamic judicial system has entered a new digital era with the launch of the “I-Syariah System”, a comprehensive platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) aimed at modernising and streamlining judicial services.
The initiative is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Sarawak Islamic Judiciary Department (JKSS) and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS).
Speaking at the launch during the Sarawak National Shariah Congress (KOSKES) on Tuesday, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said the system will transform processes such as marriage registration and case management while strengthening the efficiency, transparency and accessibility of Islamic legal services.
“This system will become a digital bridge connecting the public with Islamic judicial institutions, locally and internationally,” he said.
Themed “Digital Revolution of Islamic Judiciary in Sarawak”, the 2025 congress aligns with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), where digitalisation is a central pillar.
Awang Tengah noted that the I-Syariah platform supports the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 and can evolve into a “smart Islamic governance” model that integrates technology with the spiritual principles of Maqasid Syariah.
“AI has great potential in legal reference, case analysis, and drafting of judgments. It improves efficiency and decision-making while upholding justice — a key tenet of Islamic law,” he emphasised.
He also called for the system to serve as a knowledge-sharing platform, enabling cross-border collaboration and development of Islamic legal professionals in the region.
Following the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreement was signed between JKSS and three universities — International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Islamic Sciences University of Malaysia (USIM), and University of Malaya (UM).
Among those present were Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Islamic Council Chairman Datuk Misnu Taha, and Sarawak Chief Syariah Judge Datuk Awang Suhari Reddy.
