Malaysia to establish national Syariah prosecution department

The Malaysian government has clarified that the establishment of the Malaysia Syariah Prosecution Department (JPSM) will not override the prosecution powers held by individual states. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan stated that the JPSM aims to strengthen coordination and provide support to state Syariah prosecution institutions, rather than replacing them.

Key objectives for the JPSM include improving case management efficiency and expanding access to professional training and prosecution expertise. The proposal will be presented for Cabinet consideration following engagement sessions with state religious authorities to ensure consensus. Currently, 13 states and the Federal Territories have fully separated Syariah prosecution functions from their respective State Islamic Departments, with Sabah nearing the final stages of this process.

In a separate development regarding Syariah law amendments, the Malaysia Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSM) is reviewing proposals to strengthen enforcement against those who fail to pay maintenance (nafkah). This includes examining the implementation of non-repayable financial assistance for eligible recipients. However, such assistance will not absolve the responsible party of their legal obligation to pay maintenance. Existing enforcement mechanisms, such as asset seizure, salary deductions, and imprisonment, remain available through judicial processes.