By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, June 24: Sarawak is setting the stage for a more efficient and inclusive Syariah judiciary system through the launch of the I-Syariah digital platform, a smart integration initiative utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and digital systems to streamline case management and public service delivery.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the I-Syariah system was developed through a collaborative effort between the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS) and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) to digitally transform Syariah legal processes in line with the state’s digital economy vision.
“I strongly welcome the initiative by the Syariah Judiciary Department of Sarawak in establishing the I-Syariah System, a smart digital platform developed through collaboration with Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd,” he said during his speech at the Sarawak National Syariah Convention (KoSKeS) 2025 at Dewan Kompleks Islam here today.
“This system serves as the central integration point for Syariah information systems in Sarawak, encompassing various judiciary service components based on digital technology and artificial intelligence,” he added.
Awang Tengah described the initiative as more than just a technical transformation, stating that it “reflects the strong commitment of JKSS in supporting the Sarawak government’s digitalisation agenda, in line with the vision of ‘A World Class Civil Service’ which emphasises efficiency, transparency, and world-class public service delivery”.
He highlighted that I-Syariah strengthens e-Government implementation through enhanced online access, digital case management, and secure, integrated data governance, all of which align with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
“The implementation of the I-Syariah System is seen as a critical stepping stone towards establishing a comprehensive and sustainable digital ecosystem, driving Sarawak towards high-income economic status by 2030,” he explained.
“This system is a foundational pillar toward building an inclusive e-Government based on Islamic principles, in line with the Sarawak government’s aspiration to improve public service delivery quality,” he added.
Awang Tengah, who is also the State Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment, said I-Syariah not only speeds up procedures such as marriage registration and case management, but also acts as a digital bridge connecting the public with Syariah judicial institutions across and beyond Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the minister expressed hope that the convention would serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic cooperation among regional countries to strengthen Syariah institutions and enhance the competencies of Syariah judges and officers in the State.
This year’s convention carries the theme ‘Digital Revolution in the Syariah Judiciary of Sarawak’, aligning with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which positions digitalisation as a key pillar of the State’s development agenda.
In conjunction with the convention, Awang Tengah also witnessed the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and the signing of Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) between JKSS and three higher learning institutions: International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), and Universiti Malaya (UM), aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and enhancing the competency of Syariah judges and officers.
Also present were Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission, and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, President of the Sarawak Islamic Council, Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Syariah Chief Judge, Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi, and other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
