The government's efforts to enhance syariah law is in the final stage and will involve increasing the court levels and raising the penalty for offences.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom said the Islamic religious councils of the various states have agreed to increase the syariah courts from three levels to five levels.

"We will create a Syariah Middle Court and a Syariah Appeal Council to add to the Syariah Lower Court, the Syariah High Court and the Syariah Appeal Court," Jamil said when winding-up debate on the 2014 Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The government also plans to enhance the punishment meted by syariah courts from the present maximum of three years' jail, RM5,000 fine and six strokes of the rotan.

"If this can be realised, it will be a blessing to the Muslim community and the future of the syariah courts."

- Bernama