Round-the-clock breaking news from Malaysia.
Malaysia's Federal Territories Mufti Department has clarified that hibah payments distributed by Tabung Haji during deficit years between 2014 and 2020 are legally valid under Islamic law, addressing concerns raised following the RCI report.
Kelantan's state assembly has unanimously approved the Syariah Criminal Offences Bill 2026, introducing restorative sentencing through community service, compoundable offences, and heightened penalties for serious violations including apostasy and illicit conduct.
Kelantan's state assembly has unanimously approved the Syariah Criminal Offences (Kelantan) Bill 2026, a comprehensive legislative overhaul designed to address constitutional constraints identified by Malaysia's highest court.
Kelantan's state government will introduce the Syariah Offences (Kelantan) Bill 2026 at next week's legislative assembly session, a legislative overhaul prompted by the Federal Court's February 2024 decision striking down 16 provisions of the previous enactment.
Pahang's Sultan has advocated for enhanced community service sentencing in Syariah cases, positioning punishment as a tool for offender rehabilitation rather than retribution alone, marking a shift towards progressive Islamic justice.
Malaysia is progressing toward unified accreditation standards for Syariah lawyers. A proposal endorsed at the 2026 Syariah Legal Profession Convention will go to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs for consideration before potential submission to the Conference of Rulers.
Malaysia is finalising a landmark Syariah Judges' Remuneration Act aimed at improving judicial pay and status. The proposal is in its final stage, with documents being prepared for Cabinet consideration.