Kota bharu: Restorative sentencing, compoundable offences, and increased penalty rates are among the main reforms in the Syariah Criminal Offences (Kelantan) Bill 2026. Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan highlighted these changes, noting the improvements in community service implementation, which is to be completed within one year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Bill grants the Sultan of Kelantan authority to determine the types of compoundable offences and the related procedures. This is to be done through an order published in the gazette. The reforms also increase penalty rates, prioritising whipping for serious offences such as attempted apostasy, neglecting a child's creed, and consuming intoxicating beverages, among others.

Mohamed Fadzli mentioned the introduction of six new clauses, including those addressing the neglect of obligatory prayers and the obligation to guard private and other body parts. Clauses also focus on safeguarding the intellect from harmful influences and outline the compounding of Syariah offences.

The Bill repeals and re-enacts certain provisions, such as the improvement of Section 11 of the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment 2019, which dealt with the disturbance of places of worship. Section 14 concerning sodomy has also been revised to focus on the obligation to guard one's private parts.

The Kelantan State Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Bill, which aims to streamline and strengthen its structure. It comprises nine parts, 62 clauses, and one schedule, addressing various obligations, protections, and punishments under the Syariah law framework.