Data Integration in Malaysian Syariah Courts: A Study of Challenges and Solutions

Abstract

The lack of data integration between the Syariah Court and other departments in Malaysia is one of the challenges in the administration of Islamic families in the Syariah Court, Malaysia. The credibility of Malaysia's Islamic judicial institutions will erode if this predicament remains. The Malaysian Syariah Justice Department (JKSM), the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), and Bank Negara are among the various organizations involved in the cases in the Malaysian Syariah Court. Therefore, this study aims to identify the improvement of the data system in the management of Muslim families in the Malaysian Syariah Court. This study interviewed three respondents consisting of 1 JKSM Officer (Respondent 2), and 2 academics (Respondent 1&3). Interview data has been processed using thematic analysis using Nvivo.The results of the study show that there are four themes which is Claims still being done manually in courts, Different jurisdictions in between states, The lack of integration between Syariah Court and other institutions and the lack of information in system e-Syariah and e-Nafkah. From the theme, it is important to empower the data system in the Syariah Court to be more advanced and organized to facilitate the affairs of all parties. This improvement is important because it is significant with the development of Malaysia Madani initiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, where emphasis is placed on the development of socially prosperous Malaysian families and communities. In addition, this improvement is important to be an example for family management in other countries.