LETTER | The syariah court’s criminal jurisdiction

LETTER | The syariah courts are an integral part of the court system in Malaysia and are distinct from the civil courts as to their function and jurisdiction. These courts are designated as a specialist court with a three-tier court system, namely, the Syariah Subordinate Court, the Syariah High Court and the Syariah Appeal Court.

The recognition of the syariah courts was largely due to Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution which excludes the jurisdiction of the civil courts in respect of any matter that comes within the jurisdiction of the syariah courts.