The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has called for greater use of community service orders as an alternative form of punishment for certain Syariah offences.
According to a statement published on the Pahang Palace’s official portal, the ruler said community service should not be viewed merely as a form of punishment, but as a means of fostering repentance, improving moral character and rehabilitating offenders so they can return to society as responsible individuals guided by Islamic values.
“We are entering a new era in the development of Syariah law that requires a more progressive and rehabilitation-oriented approach.
“Community service is a suitable alternative punishment for certain Syariah offences, in accordance with existing legal provisions. This approach not only benefits society but also strengthens the Syariah justice system as a platform to educate, guide and rehabilitate offenders.
“I hope the discussions on this matter will produce comprehensive, practical and forward-looking outcomes to further strengthen the administration of Syariah justice in Pahang,” the Sultan said.
The remarks were made while chairing the 199th Meeting of the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council on Tuesday.
Also in attendance was the Crown Prince of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.
During the meeting, the Sultan also congratulated the Pahang Sultanate Council, the Pahang State Secretary’s Office, the Pahang Islamic Religious Department and the Pahang Syariah Prosecution Department for receiving the 2026 Excellence Recognition Certificate for the Integrity and Governance Management System (SPINE).
The Sultan said the recognition reflects the state government’s continued commitment to strengthening governance, promoting integrity and implementing systematic anti-corruption measures to ensure the delivery of high-quality public services.
