KUCHING – Officials from the Sarawak Attorney General’s Chambers and the Islamic Religious Department convened for a two-day professional development session focused on Syariah court procedures at the Grand Margherita Hotel earlier this week.
The training programme took place on 24 and 25 February 2026, which corresponded to 5 and 6 Ramadan 1447H in the Islamic calendar. Representatives from multiple governmental bodies participated in the intensive workshop designed to enhance legal coordination across Islamic judicial frameworks.
Facilitators for the event included members of the Aqidah Advisory Service Panel from the Sarawak Islamic Council, working alongside legal experts from the state Attorney General’s Chambers. The collaboration brought together specialised knowledge from both religious and civil legal sectors.
According to organisers from the Our Brother’s Development Division within the Islamic Religious Department, the primary objective centred on strengthening procedural knowledge and methodological approaches used in Syariah court proceedings.
Participants worked to coordinate standard operating procedures that would streamline advisory service sessions across different departments. The workshop also focused on developing new materials and communication mediums to improve service delivery to the public.
This initiative comes as Sarawak continues to strengthen its Syariah judicial system. Recent developments include the establishment of the Sarawak Syariah Principal Court as the fourth level in the Syariah Court hierarchy, marking a strategic move by the state government
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, the Sarawak Premier, has previously emphasised that such hierarchical improvements must be supported by comprehensive training and quality human resources
The state Attorney General’s Chambers has been actively involved in handling Syariah cases. Recent reports indicate the department is managing over 150 active Syariah cases at various court levels
The workshop forms part of broader efforts to make the Syariah judicial system more accessible to the public. Officials have welcomed initiatives to simplify procedures and use language that is easier for citizens to understand
Training programmes like this one aim to ensure that Syariah Court personnel possess the necessary skills and knowledge to serve the Muslim community effectively. The Sarawak Government has committed to continuous training and appropriate facilities for judicial institutions
The Sarawak Islamic Council plays a central role in overseeing Islamic affairs throughout the state, including matters relating to Syariah court administration. The Council has established multiple boards to manage different aspects of Islamic governance.
Participants at the Grand Margherita Hotel session worked on developing advisory service materials that would benefit those seeking guidance on Syariah matters. The focus included improving coordination between different agencies involved in Islamic legal proceedings.
This collaborative approach reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring that access to justice is not hindered by procedural weaknesses or information gaps. The workshop concluded with participants better equipped to handle Syariah court proceedings in accordance with updated standards.
