PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Islamic laws will be further strengthened with the recent landmark judgment by the Federal Court nullifying 16 provisions in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal code, says the Syariah Judiciary Department. The Feb 9 ruling will also harmonise offences that exist under both syariah and civil laws, the department said. “It is just (that these offences) cannot be tried in syariah court, but can be tried in civil court. If a Muslim in Kelantan commits sumbang mahram (incest), the offence can be tried in civil court,” the department said. “In fact, the punishment provided in the Penal Code is also higher, compared to the punishment provided in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment”.

Source: The Star February 12, 2024 20:07 UTC