Govt to propose construction of 4 new courts in Sarawak

Law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar today said that the government would propose the construction of four new courts in Sarawak under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Kuching Court complex, he said the new courts would be built in Limbang, Kapit, Mukah and Sri Aman.

He said the proposal would also include the upgrading of existing court buildings in the state.

Wan Junaidi who is Santubong MP said those living in rural areas face challenges in attending court sessions.

“In Sabah and Sarawak, there are cases that require court officers to travel to rural areas,” he added.

“The magistrates also help with registration matters, and they have to go through logging roads. The rural folk who need to attend court have to travel a long time, and if the weather is bad, they cannot access the logging roads.”

Wan Junaidi also said that a proposal would be submitted for an official residence to be built for the chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak in the two states.

“We have to build this because they shuttle back and forth between Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

“It doesn’t look appropriate for them to stay at hotels. We cannot treat them like ministers, letting them stay at hotels.”

He added that this was to ensure their safety and protect the image of the judiciary itself.