SHAH ALAM, Aug 4 — The Shariah Courts Bill (Selangor) 2026 was tabled today to ensure the shariah judiciary is more independent and credible.
The bill was tabled by state executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah and was debated by nearly 10 assemblymen until 4.30pm today.
Fahmi said the state government is of the opinion that it is timely for a specific enactment to separate the shariah judiciary from Islamic religious administration functions.
“This approach not only aligns with the separation of powers principle that is the basis of modern judicial systems, but strengthens the shariah court as a judicial body that has its own identity, functions, and powers.
“The drafting of (this bill) is a direct follow-up to a recommendation to amend the Laws of the Constitution of Selangor 1959, which specifically allows for the establishment of shariah courts in Selangor’s supreme laws,” he said when tabling the bill at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly here today.
Fahmi added that since 2022 to this June, 134,458 cases have been registered at all shariah courts in Selangor. From that figure, 116,141 cases were registered at the Lower Shariah Court, 17,635 cases at the Shariah High Court, and 682 at the Shariah Court of Appeal.
“These statistics clearly show that Selangor’s shariah courts handle a high (number) of shariah cases and are growing.
“In line with this development, the judicial institution structure and appeals system must also be empowered to ensure justice is delivered efficiently, consistently and effectively,” he said.
The tabling of the bill will present financial implications to the state government with the establishment of the Shariah Supreme Court.
Fahmi said it is another level in the Selangor shariah court hierarchy, and the Selangor Shariah Judiciary Department (JAKESS) will be restructured to support the recommended judicial functions.
