Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
The enforcement of Sharia criminal law in Malaysia faces substantial challenges in the digital era, where technological advancements have blurred traditional legal boundaries. Certain Sharia criminal offences committed in cyberspace remain difficult to prosecute due to jurisdictional limitations, evidentiary constraints, and the absence of specific legal provisions. These challenges underscore a growing disconnect between the enforcement of Sharia criminal law and the rapid evolution of digital technologies. This article examines the enforcement of Sharia criminal offences in cyberspace from the Malaysian legal perspective and proposes practical legal solutions to bridge the identified gaps. Employing a qualitative and doctrinal methodology, data were gathered through library-based research, statutory analysis, a review of reported cases, and relevant newspaper reports. The data were analysed using content analysis and descriptive methods. In addition, a comparative approach was adopted to assess the extent to which evidentiary and procedural frameworks from the common legal system in Malaysia could be adapted to enhance the effectiveness of Sharia criminal enforcement. In response, this article recommends targeted legislative reforms to enhance the Sharia legal system's capacity to address cyber-related offences, thereby ensuring that the enforcement of Sharia criminal law remains relevant and effective in the context of modern technological developments.
Keywords
Article Details
Copyright (c) 2025 Suhaizad Saifuddin, Fatimah Yusro Hashim, Mohd Zamre Mohd Zahir, Asma Hakimah Ab Halim
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
a. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
b. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
c. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
References
Ahmad Abd Jalil v Public Prosecutor, [2015] 5 Current Law Journal (CLJ) 480 (High Court (Malaysia) 2015).
Ahmad, Samadi. ‘Penghantar Makanan Didenda RM50,000 Hina Islam, Rasulullah SAW’. Berita Harian Online, 21 July 2022. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2022/07/978680/penghantar-makanan-didenda-rm50000-hina-islam-rasulullah-saw.
Astro Awani. ‘Sittah Annur PMYT Bertaubat: “Saya Insaf, Tiada Jalan Pintas ke Syurga”’. Astro Awani, 27 September 2021. https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/sittah-annur-pmyt-bertaubat-saya-insaf-tiada-jalan-pintas-ke-syurga-322090.
Azimi, Mohd Rafie. ‘Polis Kedah Bimbang Ramai Wanita Islam Jadi Ejen Judi dalam Talian’. Utusan Malaysia, 17 June 2023. https://www.utusan.com.my/berita/2023/06/polis-kedah-bimbang-ramai-wanita-islam-jadi-ejen-judi-dalam-talian/.
Aziz, Shamrahayu A. ‘Islamic Criminal Law in the Malaysian Federal Structure: A Constitutional Perspective’. IIUM Law Journal 15, no. 1 (15 July 2012): 101–20. https://doi.org/10.31436/iiumlj.v15i1.62.
Bahori, Adibah, Azizah Mat Rashid, Mohamad Azhan Yahya, Suhaizad Saifuddin, and Mohd Kamel Mat Salleh. ‘Evidence and Prosecution of Out-Of-Wedlock Pregnancies: A Legal Perspective of Syariah Criminal Offences in Malaysia’. UUM Journal of Legal Studies 14, no. 1 (January 2023): 1–30. https://doi.org/10.32890/uumjls2023.14.1.1.
Dass, Mary Victoria. ‘6 Ahli Ajaran Sesat Si Hulk Hina Nabi Di Tiktok Dikenal Pasti’. Berita Harian Online, 23 March 2023. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/kes/2023/03/1080894/6-ahli-ajaran-sesat-si-hulk-hina-nabi-di-tiktok-dikenal-pasti.
Dhillon, Guru, Lee Sook Ling, Jason Tze-Xi Nathan, and Maran Nandan. ‘Online Gambling in Malaysia: A Legal Analysis’. Pertanika: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 29, no. 1 (26 March 2021): 207–20. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.29.1.12.
FMT Reporters. ‘“Sittah Annur” Wanita Didakwa Ketua Ajaran Sesat Ditahan’. Free Malaysia Today, 4 September 2021. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2021/09/04/sittah-annur-wanita-didakwa-ketua-ajaran-sesat-ditahan/.
Gnanasegaran a/l Pararajasingam v Public Prosecutor, [1997] 3 Malayan Law Journal (MLJ) 1 (Court of Appeal (Malaysia) 1995).
Hussin, Mohd Norhusairi Mat, Mohd Zaidi Daud, Ruzman Md Noor, and Amalina Che Omar. ‘Kajian Isu-Isu Berkaitan Pemeliharaan Akidah Dan Pemikiran Umat Islam Di Malaysia’. MJSL: Malaysian Journal of Syariah and Law 11, no. 2 (5 December 2023): 366–80. https://doi.org/10.33102/mjsl.vol11no2.454.
Ismail, Ahmad Ismadi. ‘Kegiatan “Swinger” Suami Isteri Tukar Pasangan, Jual Video Lucah Tumpas’. SInar Harian, 3 April 2024. https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/658034/berita/semasa/kegiatan-swinger-suami-isteri-tukar-pasangan-jual-video-lucah-tumpas.
Ismail, Wan Abdul Fattah Wan, Syahirah Abdul Shukor, Hasnizam Hashim, Lukman Abdul Mutalib, and Ahmad Syukran Baharuddin. ‘The Reality on Application and Challenges of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Images as Evidence in Shariah Criminal Cases in Malaysia’. Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews 7, no. 6 (27 November 2019): 356–61. https://doi.org/10.18510/hssr.2019.7661.
Mokhtar, Nor Azizah. ‘Polis Tahan Lelaki Mengaku Murtadkan Wanita’. Berita Harian Online, 9 March 2021. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/kes/2021/03/794478/polis-tahan-lelaki-mengaku-murtadkan-wanita.
Noor, Ahmad Yunus Mohd, and Asmilyia Mohd Mokhtar. ‘Sains Tauhidik: Kolaborasi Ilmu Antara Al-Qur’an Dan Sains Moden’. Akademika: Jurnal Sains Sosial Dan Kemanusiaan Asia Tenggara 91, no. 2 (July 2021): 167–76. https://doi.org/10.17576/akad-2021-9102-14.
Noor Azlida Alimin. ‘Alif Teega, Aisyah Hijanah Kekal Direman’. Sinar Harian, 12 July 2024. https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/674715/berita/semasa/alif-teega-aisyah-hijanah-kekal-direman.
Public Prosecutor v Aszroy bin Achoi, [2018] 8 Current Law Journal (CLJ) 762 (n.d.).
Quintarti, Maria Alberta Liza, Riadi Asra Rahmad, Zulkarnain S, Budi Handayani, and Rica Gusmarani. ‘The Role of Criminal Law in Handling Cyber Crimes: Challenges and Solutions’. IJHESS: International Journal of Health, Economics, and Social Sciences 6, no. 4 (October 2024): 1156–59. https://doi.org/10.56338/ijhess.v6i4.6269.
Radzi, Rafisah Mat, Nurul Aini Muhamed, Muhammad Iqmal Hisham Kamaruddin, Wan Nur Fazni Wan Mohamad Nazarie, and Aimi Fadzirul Kamarubahrin. ‘Islamic Donations-Based Crowdfunding Platforms in Malaysia: An Evaluation of Regulatory and Shariah Issues’. Petita: Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Hukum Dan Syariah 9, no. 2 (11 August 2024): 413–34. https://doi.org/10.22373/petita.v9i2.316.
Rajamanickam, Ramalinggam, Nur Insyirah Mohamad Noh, and Anita Harun. ‘Kebolehterimaan Keterangan Elektronik Di Malaysia (Admissibility of Electronic Evidence in Malaysia)’. Jurnal Undang-Undang Dan Masyarakat 31, no. 1 (23 December 2022): 111–25. https://doi.org/10.17576/juum-2022-31-09.
Razak, Faizul Azlan. ‘Terengganu Fatwa Ajaran Mhd Mohib Khouli Nazem Sesat, Bercanggah Akidah Islam’. Berita Harian Online, 17 November 2023. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2023/11/1178261/terengganu-fatwa-ajaran-mhd-mohib-khouli-nazem-sesat-bercanggah.
Sabri, Safiyyah Ahmad, and Zaridah Abdullah. ‘News Reporting on Religious Issues: Malaysian Media Practitioners’ Perspective’. Jurnal Komunikasi: Malaysian Journal of Communication 38, no. 3 (30 September 2022): 291–303. https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2022-3803-18.
Saifuddin, Suhaizad. ‘Darjah Pembuktian Bagi Pensabitan Kes: Analisis Perbandingan Menurut Perspektif Islam Dan Sistem Perundangan’. Al-Qanatir: International Journal of Islamic Studies 34, no. 3 (May 2025): 29–47.
———. ‘Peruntukan Beban Pembuktian Di Bawah Enakmen Keterangan Mahkamah Syariah: Satu Penilaian’. Jurnal Undang-Undang Dan Masyarakat 28, no. 2021 (2 April 2021): 78–91. https://doi.org/10.17576/juum-2021-28-08.
Saifuddin, Suhaizad, Hanifah Haydar Ali Tajuddin, and Fatimah Yusro Hashim. ‘Meneroka Perspektif Islam Berhubung Dengan Penahanan Reman Dan Penambahbaikan Undang-Undang Tatacara Jenayah Syariah Di Malaysia’. Akademika: Jurnal Sains Sosial Dan Kemanusiaan Asia Tenggara 95, no. 1 (30 April 2025): 477–95. https://doi.org/10.17576/akad-2025-9501-27.
Saifuddin, Suhaizad, Hanifah Haydar Ali Tajuddin, Mohd Azhan Yahya, Mohamad Rizal Abd Rahman, and Fatimah Yusro Hashim. ‘Examining the Application of Standard of Proof in Criminal Cases: A Comparative Analysis of Islamic Law and Common Law in Malaysia’. Malaysian Journal of Syariah and Law 12, no. 1 (31 March 2024): 11–22. https://doi.org/10.33102/mjsl.vol12no1.491.
Tuan Buqhairah Tuan Muhamad Adnan. ‘Jakim Panggil “Imam Mahdi”’. SInar Harian, 1 December 2023. https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/637480/berita/nasional/jakim-panggil-imam-mahdi.
Yup, Nor Shafawati. ‘Pengasas Ajaran Sesat Kumpulan Zikir Asmaul Husna Tidak Mengaku Sebar Ajaran Salah’. Utusan Malaysia, 28 February 2023. https://www.utusan.com.my/berita/2023/02/pengasas-ajaran-sesat-kumpulan-zikir-asmaul-husna-tidak-mengaku-sebar-ajaran-salah/.
Zakaria, Mohd. Sophian, and Akmal Hamdy Baharudin. Kesalahan Media Sosial: Manual Siasatan Dan Pendakwaan. 3rd ed. Putrajaya: Jabatan Peguam Negara, 2021.
Zakiyy, Norman, and Hasnizam Hashim. ‘Setbacks Impeding Litigation of Deviant Teachings in Cyberspace’. International Journal of Business and Technology Management 5, no. 4 (1 December 2023): 154–62. https://doi.org/10.55057/ijbtm.2023.5.4.14.
References
Ahmad Abd Jalil v Public Prosecutor, [2015] 5 Current Law Journal (CLJ) 480 (High Court (Malaysia) 2015).
Ahmad, Samadi. ‘Penghantar Makanan Didenda RM50,000 Hina Islam, Rasulullah SAW’. Berita Harian Online, 21 July 2022. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2022/07/978680/penghantar-makanan-didenda-rm50000-hina-islam-rasulullah-saw.
Astro Awani. ‘Sittah Annur PMYT Bertaubat: “Saya Insaf, Tiada Jalan Pintas ke Syurga”’. Astro Awani, 27 September 2021. https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/sittah-annur-pmyt-bertaubat-saya-insaf-tiada-jalan-pintas-ke-syurga-322090.
Azimi, Mohd Rafie. ‘Polis Kedah Bimbang Ramai Wanita Islam Jadi Ejen Judi dalam Talian’. Utusan Malaysia, 17 June 2023. https://www.utusan.com.my/berita/2023/06/polis-kedah-bimbang-ramai-wanita-islam-jadi-ejen-judi-dalam-talian/.
Aziz, Shamrahayu A. ‘Islamic Criminal Law in the Malaysian Federal Structure: A Constitutional Perspective’. IIUM Law Journal 15, no. 1 (15 July 2012): 101–20. https://doi.org/10.31436/iiumlj.v15i1.62.
Bahori, Adibah, Azizah Mat Rashid, Mohamad Azhan Yahya, Suhaizad Saifuddin, and Mohd Kamel Mat Salleh. ‘Evidence and Prosecution of Out-Of-Wedlock Pregnancies: A Legal Perspective of Syariah Criminal Offences in Malaysia’. UUM Journal of Legal Studies 14, no. 1 (January 2023): 1–30. https://doi.org/10.32890/uumjls2023.14.1.1.
Dass, Mary Victoria. ‘6 Ahli Ajaran Sesat Si Hulk Hina Nabi Di Tiktok Dikenal Pasti’. Berita Harian Online, 23 March 2023. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/kes/2023/03/1080894/6-ahli-ajaran-sesat-si-hulk-hina-nabi-di-tiktok-dikenal-pasti.
Dhillon, Guru, Lee Sook Ling, Jason Tze-Xi Nathan, and Maran Nandan. ‘Online Gambling in Malaysia: A Legal Analysis’. Pertanika: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 29, no. 1 (26 March 2021): 207–20. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.29.1.12.
FMT Reporters. ‘“Sittah Annur” Wanita Didakwa Ketua Ajaran Sesat Ditahan’. Free Malaysia Today, 4 September 2021. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2021/09/04/sittah-annur-wanita-didakwa-ketua-ajaran-sesat-ditahan/.
Gnanasegaran a/l Pararajasingam v Public Prosecutor, [1997] 3 Malayan Law Journal (MLJ) 1 (Court of Appeal (Malaysia) 1995).
Hussin, Mohd Norhusairi Mat, Mohd Zaidi Daud, Ruzman Md Noor, and Amalina Che Omar. ‘Kajian Isu-Isu Berkaitan Pemeliharaan Akidah Dan Pemikiran Umat Islam Di Malaysia’. MJSL: Malaysian Journal of Syariah and Law 11, no. 2 (5 December 2023): 366–80. https://doi.org/10.33102/mjsl.vol11no2.454.
Ismail, Ahmad Ismadi. ‘Kegiatan “Swinger” Suami Isteri Tukar Pasangan, Jual Video Lucah Tumpas’. SInar Harian, 3 April 2024. https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/658034/berita/semasa/kegiatan-swinger-suami-isteri-tukar-pasangan-jual-video-lucah-tumpas.
Ismail, Wan Abdul Fattah Wan, Syahirah Abdul Shukor, Hasnizam Hashim, Lukman Abdul Mutalib, and Ahmad Syukran Baharuddin. ‘The Reality on Application and Challenges of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Images as Evidence in Shariah Criminal Cases in Malaysia’. Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews 7, no. 6 (27 November 2019): 356–61. https://doi.org/10.18510/hssr.2019.7661.
Mokhtar, Nor Azizah. ‘Polis Tahan Lelaki Mengaku Murtadkan Wanita’. Berita Harian Online, 9 March 2021. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/kes/2021/03/794478/polis-tahan-lelaki-mengaku-murtadkan-wanita.
Noor, Ahmad Yunus Mohd, and Asmilyia Mohd Mokhtar. ‘Sains Tauhidik: Kolaborasi Ilmu Antara Al-Qur’an Dan Sains Moden’. Akademika: Jurnal Sains Sosial Dan Kemanusiaan Asia Tenggara 91, no. 2 (July 2021): 167–76. https://doi.org/10.17576/akad-2021-9102-14.
Noor Azlida Alimin. ‘Alif Teega, Aisyah Hijanah Kekal Direman’. Sinar Harian, 12 July 2024. https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/674715/berita/semasa/alif-teega-aisyah-hijanah-kekal-direman.
Public Prosecutor v Aszroy bin Achoi, [2018] 8 Current Law Journal (CLJ) 762 (n.d.).
Quintarti, Maria Alberta Liza, Riadi Asra Rahmad, Zulkarnain S, Budi Handayani, and Rica Gusmarani. ‘The Role of Criminal Law in Handling Cyber Crimes: Challenges and Solutions’. IJHESS: International Journal of Health, Economics, and Social Sciences 6, no. 4 (October 2024): 1156–59. https://doi.org/10.56338/ijhess.v6i4.6269.
Radzi, Rafisah Mat, Nurul Aini Muhamed, Muhammad Iqmal Hisham Kamaruddin, Wan Nur Fazni Wan Mohamad Nazarie, and Aimi Fadzirul Kamarubahrin. ‘Islamic Donations-Based Crowdfunding Platforms in Malaysia: An Evaluation of Regulatory and Shariah Issues’. Petita: Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Hukum Dan Syariah 9, no. 2 (11 August 2024): 413–34. https://doi.org/10.22373/petita.v9i2.316.
Rajamanickam, Ramalinggam, Nur Insyirah Mohamad Noh, and Anita Harun. ‘Kebolehterimaan Keterangan Elektronik Di Malaysia (Admissibility of Electronic Evidence in Malaysia)’. Jurnal Undang-Undang Dan Masyarakat 31, no. 1 (23 December 2022): 111–25. https://doi.org/10.17576/juum-2022-31-09.
Razak, Faizul Azlan. ‘Terengganu Fatwa Ajaran Mhd Mohib Khouli Nazem Sesat, Bercanggah Akidah Islam’. Berita Harian Online, 17 November 2023. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2023/11/1178261/terengganu-fatwa-ajaran-mhd-mohib-khouli-nazem-sesat-bercanggah.
Sabri, Safiyyah Ahmad, and Zaridah Abdullah. ‘News Reporting on Religious Issues: Malaysian Media Practitioners’ Perspective’. Jurnal Komunikasi: Malaysian Journal of Communication 38, no. 3 (30 September 2022): 291–303. https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2022-3803-18.
Saifuddin, Suhaizad. ‘Darjah Pembuktian Bagi Pensabitan Kes: Analisis Perbandingan Menurut Perspektif Islam Dan Sistem Perundangan’. Al-Qanatir: International Journal of Islamic Studies 34, no. 3 (May 2025): 29–47.
———. ‘Peruntukan Beban Pembuktian Di Bawah Enakmen Keterangan Mahkamah Syariah: Satu Penilaian’. Jurnal Undang-Undang Dan Masyarakat 28, no. 2021 (2 April 2021): 78–91. https://doi.org/10.17576/juum-2021-28-08.
Saifuddin, Suhaizad, Hanifah Haydar Ali Tajuddin, and Fatimah Yusro Hashim. ‘Meneroka Perspektif Islam Berhubung Dengan Penahanan Reman Dan Penambahbaikan Undang-Undang Tatacara Jenayah Syariah Di Malaysia’. Akademika: Jurnal Sains Sosial Dan Kemanusiaan Asia Tenggara 95, no. 1 (30 April 2025): 477–95. https://doi.org/10.17576/akad-2025-9501-27.
Saifuddin, Suhaizad, Hanifah Haydar Ali Tajuddin, Mohd Azhan Yahya, Mohamad Rizal Abd Rahman, and Fatimah Yusro Hashim. ‘Examining the Application of Standard of Proof in Criminal Cases: A Comparative Analysis of Islamic Law and Common Law in Malaysia’. Malaysian Journal of Syariah and Law 12, no. 1 (31 March 2024): 11–22. https://doi.org/10.33102/mjsl.vol12no1.491.
Tuan Buqhairah Tuan Muhamad Adnan. ‘Jakim Panggil “Imam Mahdi”’. SInar Harian, 1 December 2023. https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/637480/berita/nasional/jakim-panggil-imam-mahdi.
Yup, Nor Shafawati. ‘Pengasas Ajaran Sesat Kumpulan Zikir Asmaul Husna Tidak Mengaku Sebar Ajaran Salah’. Utusan Malaysia, 28 February 2023. https://www.utusan.com.my/berita/2023/02/pengasas-ajaran-sesat-kumpulan-zikir-asmaul-husna-tidak-mengaku-sebar-ajaran-salah/.
Zakaria, Mohd. Sophian, and Akmal Hamdy Baharudin. Kesalahan Media Sosial: Manual Siasatan Dan Pendakwaan. 3rd ed. Putrajaya: Jabatan Peguam Negara, 2021.
Zakiyy, Norman, and Hasnizam Hashim. ‘Setbacks Impeding Litigation of Deviant Teachings in Cyberspace’. International Journal of Business and Technology Management 5, no. 4 (1 December 2023): 154–62. https://doi.org/10.55057/ijbtm.2023.5.4.14.