The government has concluded the engagement session with states on the proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355), which includes the proposal to increase penalties for syariah criminal offences. 

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar emphasised the significance of states’ involvement, as matters concerning Islam are rights granted to the states as per the Federal Constitution. 

“Currently, Syariah Courts are empowered to impose maximum sentences of three years’ imprisonment, a fine up to RM5,000, or six strokes of whipping, for offences under the Islamic law.