KUCHING: The federal government has approved a total of 14 projects to upgrade, renovate and repair court buildings in the state under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
The projects involved the court complexes in Kuching, Bintulu, Miri, Kota Samarahan and Sarikei.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, said the upgrading projects would cost a total of RM9,212,700.
“I am still shocked to see that there are still court proceedings in Sarawak that are presently held in a shared building with other government departments.
“Also, essentially a judge and court officers must have their own specific access to the courtroom.
“We have achieved independence for many years, but this procedure has not been implemented. Therefore, I feel that the court facilities in Sarawak and Sabah need to be upgraded,” he said in a press conference after a working visit to the Kuching Court Complex on Sunday (Jan 9).
On another note, he lauded the courts in Sabah and Sarawak for utilising artificial intelligence (AI) in the sentencing process.
“Sabah and Sarawak are more advanced in this as compared to other states in Malaya.
“However, the application of AI is in the process of being implemented nationwide,” he said.
