Kuala lumpur: The government is moving forward with plans to strengthen the authority of Syariah Courts by allowing the seizure of financial savings from ex-husbands who evade court-ordered 'nafkah' (financial support) maintenance, as stated by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Family Support Division (BSK), under the Malaysian Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSM), has engaged in discussions with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to implement this measure through a Syariah Court order. Dr Mohd Na'im shared this information during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat, addressing a supplementary query from Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun) about governmental mechanisms to monitor and ensure the freezing or seizure of bank accounts of ex-husbands or fathers who fail to pay maintenance.

Dr Mohd Na'im emphasized that the government is not only focused on empowering the Syariah Courts but is also intensifying enforcement efforts and strengthening the execution of court orders to ensure women and children receive the financial support they are entitled to. The BSK is also working to increase awareness among other family members who are legally and religiously responsible for providing child support, ensuring they meet their obligations under Islamic law.

Furthermore, enforcement measures are being bolstered through collaboration with various government agencies. These agencies, including the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), and the National Registration Department (JPN), play a role in tracing employers and locating judgment debtors who fail to comply with court-ordered maintenance payments.

Dr Mohd Na'im highlighted that these long-term efforts aim to ensure the continuity of BSK's services and strengthen the Syariah judicial system, ultimately safeguarding the rights of women and children and enhancing the well-being of the Islamic family institution.