Courts to reopen May 13 under strict SOP, face masks compulsory

PUTRAJAYA: Court complexes will reopen beginning May 13 under strict standard operating procedures (SOP) that includes the wearing of face masks at all times.

In a statement on Monday (May 11), the Chief Registrar’s Office clarified, however, that the courts would not be providing face masks.

Those entering the court complexes would also be scanned for body temperature, and parties are advised not to attend court if they are unwell.

The judiciary said the guideline was in line with the precautionary measures implemented by the government to contain the spread of Covid-19.

“All persons are required to check their case status prior to coming to court. Parties are encouraged to file documents through e-filing at courts which have e-filing service, ” the statement read.

Those attending court are also required to download and complete the visitor form from the judiciary’s official website for contact tracing purposes. The visitor forms are also available at the court premises.

“Each and every court throughout Malaysia will only have one point of entry into their respective premises.

“Only those who have business with the court will be allowed to enter the premises. In criminal cases, only one family member will be allowed to enter the court premises.

“Only one client per party is allowed to be in the court building during the hearing of their case, ” it added.

Witnesses or parties to a proceeding will only be allowed into the court premises 30 minutes before a hearing begins.

As there will be limited seating and space in open court, all parties are required to sit within the borders marked on the seats to maintain social distancing.

Chief Justice Tan Sri Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat had recently announced that open court hearings would resume in stages throughout the country, in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement of the conditional movement control order (MCO), which saw the re-opening of several business sectors.

The re-opening of open court hearings would also see the high-profile trial of 1Malaysia Development (1MDB) involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak resuming this May 18, after more than a month of postponement due to the MCO.

For further information regarding the Judiciary’s SOP, visit www.kehakiman.gov.my.