The Department of Syariah Affairs of the Ministry of Religious
Affairs has recorded a rise in Syariah criminal cases last year.
The matter was disclosed this
morning in a briefing attended by penghulus and ketua kampongs
in the Tutong District, RTB reported yesterday.
The alarming rise in Syariah
criminal cases is attributed to the lack of religious teaching,
promiscuity, negative environmental influences, instability in
the family and media influences. Records showed that Syariah
criminal cases had increased from 389 cases in 1997 to 574 in
2002.
The briefing was a refresher
session for the participants on the existing laws and
regulations covering public and family crimes and 'aqidah'.
Among the offences under the
Islamic Religious Council Act and Kadi Court Paragraph 77 - 1984
concern failure to perform the Friday prayer for those aged 15
years and above. First offenders will be levied a fine of B$100,
B$200 for the second time and B$500 for consequent failures.
Illicit sex between a man and a
woman who can marry will be fined B$5000 or six months
imprisonment. Those found to have committed adultery, a 5-year
jail term will be imposed on the man whilst the woman, one-year
imprisonment.
Enforcing the Islamic Religious
Council Act and Kadi Court Chapter 77 and Belief in the
teachings of Islam in accordance with Ahli Sunnah Wal-Jamaah and
Mazhab Syafie conforming to the State Constitution is the
mission of the Religious Enforcement Section of the Department
of Syariah Affairs.
|
