JAKIM Holds Roundtable To Study Proposal For Diyat System - Zulkifli

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), in collaboration with the Federal Territories Mufti Department and related agencies, today held a roundtable to examine a proposal to implement diyat (monetary compensation to a victim’s family) as a syariah-based compensation mechanism in road accident cases in the country.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, said the roundtable was a strategic step to strengthen social justice through a syariah-compliant, inclusive and progressive approach, in line with Malaysia MADANI.

“Today’s roundtable serves as a key platform for experts from government agencies, the judiciary, and the syariah and legal fields, along with other stakeholders, to exchange views and ideas,” he said in a statement.

He said the discussions were also aimed at examining the proposal’s feasibility, analysing its operational mechanisms and assessing the legal implications of introducing the system as a restorative, humanitarian form of compensation based on syariah principles.

He said diyat was not merely financial compensation, but a mechanism with moral and social dimensions that upholds accountability, protects victims’ rights and safeguards their families’ welfare, adding that it could offer a form of substantive justice, complementing existing civil and insurance or takaful claims, while directly benefiting accident victims and their families.

Elaborating, Zulkifli said the discussions also highlighted the principle of substantive justice, focusing on strengthening social equity and protection for road accident victims without undermining the existing legal system.

He said that despite existing civil and insurance or takaful claims, some victims still face long delays, high costs, and a sense of incomplete justice.

“This issue underscores the need for an alternative mechanism that is faster, fairer and protects victims’ welfare,” he said, emphasising that the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) is committed to reviewing all proposals carefully, considering stakeholders’ views before any new policy or mechanism is introduced.

“It is hoped that the roundtable is a starting point to strengthen a more effective compensation system, guided by maqasid syariah (objectives of Islamic law) and aligned with Malaysia MADANI’s goals of protecting lives, justice, and public well-being,” he said.

Zulkifli said the outcomes and resolutions from the discussion will guide the government in shaping accident compensation policies.

“We want to ensure that any decisions made truly reflect justice and compassion for all Malaysians,” he said.

-- BERNAMA