KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has passed Syariah Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2024 to grant clearer authority to religious enforcement officers.

In tabling the bill, Sabah Religious Affairs Council chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said those officers could conduct investigations and gather evidence for Shariah offenses committed on social media.

"It also aims to facilitate Shariah prosecutors in conducting prosecutions because the provisions related to charges issued electronically via social media are not provided for in the Shariah Criminal Procedure Enactment of 2004," he said during the state assembly sitting.

Mohd Arifin, who is also state Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, said with the advancement of technology, the dissemination of information through social media has gained attention and become the primary choice of its users, consisting of various age groups.

He added online platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as online publishing platforms like YouTube and TikTok, have been widely used to address issues related to economics, politics, and religion.

"It is undeniable that the widespread use of social media has provided many benefits to users.

"However, at the same time, it can also have negative effects and be misused for purposes that contradict Islamic principles and result in violations of Shariah crimes."

Mohd Arifin said among the acts that can be associated with Shariah crimes under the Sabah State Shariah Criminal Offenses Enactment of 1995 are false doctrines (deviant teachings), mocking Quranic verses or hadiths, insulting Islam, and insulting religious authorities.

After receiving complaints regarding a particular offence, he said the religious enforcement officers will conduct investigations and gather all necessary information and evidence.

"To ensure that there are no legal loopholes in the cyber environment, especially in handling investigations and prosecutions involving electronic publications, this Bill will further strengthen the implementation of the law."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1042521/sabah-passes-syariah-criminal-procedure-amendment-bill-2024-empower