GEORGE TOWN: In a move aimed at widening public access to justice, the Court of Appeal’s circuit sitting was reactivated in Penang to ease longstanding logistical burdens and strengthen legal engagements across the northern region.
Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh said the initiative fulfilled one of the judiciary’s key aspirations, which is to bring justice closer to the people by ensuring that court processes are accessible, responsive and reflective of the needs of litigants.
“For decades, lawyers and litigants from the northern states had no choice but to travel to Putrajaya to attend appeal hearings, often at great expense and difficulty.
“Today, we bring justice nearer to the people,” he said in his speech before launching the circuit sitting at the George Town High Court here yesterday.
The Court of Appeal circuit sitting, which began on Monday, will end today.
He said the circuit sitting will help reduce delays in public service delivery and enhance the overall administration of justice.
“This initiative is not merely nostalgic but a meaningful effort to elevate legal standards and strengthen Malaysia’s rule of law.
“It will benefit young lawyers and chambering students.
“With appeal hearings now held in Penang, they will have more opportunities to observe high-level court proceedings, study effective advocacy techniques and better understand the preparation and implications of appeal documents,” he said.
Justice Wan Ahmad Farid said the move is expected to reduce risks and costs for the Prisons Department, which frequently transports inmates to Putrajaya for criminal appeals.
“Shorter travel distances will ease security pressures and improve operational efficiency.
“In Sabah and Sarawak, the judiciary plans to push beyond the traditional court centres of Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, going to the outskirts.
“New circuit locations under consideration include Miri and Sandakan, aimed at serving rural communities that face difficulty accessing the courts,” he said.
When asked about delays in court proceedings, with some cases pending for years, Justice Wan Ahmad Farid said the judiciary is exploring alternative ways to ease case backlogs.
He added that while more Judicial Commissioners are being appointed to meet demand, other solutions are also being considered.
Acknowledging the severity of the problem, he said a judge in Johor is currently handling about 800 active cases.
“It is humanly impossible for a judge to hear 800 cases. Normal caseloads should be around 200 to 250,” he added.
Earlier, Court of Appeal president Datuk Abu Bakar Jais shared that the Court of Appeal was established in 1994 and has grown from a bench of 10 judges to 32.
He said, serving as both the final appellate court for subordinate courts and the first appellate tier for High Court cases, the court plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient and effective administration of justice, with accessibility being a critical factor.
“Over the years, the Court of Appeal and Federal Court conducted circuit sittings across the country, from George Town to Johor Baru to Kota Baru.
“Over time, the history of these sittings became unclear. Our mission serves to reaffirm the principle that the court should come to the people rather than the other way around.
“The initiative, directed by the Chief Justice, aims not only to enhance public access to the apex courts but to serve as a platform for professional development for young lawyers,” Abu Bakar said.
