KELANTAN today passed state legislation allowing public caning, following an amendment to Syariah Criminal Procedure Enactment 2002, proposed by Islamic Development, Dakwah and Information committee chairman Nassuruddin Daud, the New Straits Times reported.

“With the amendment, the sentencing can be carried out in public or prison depending on the court’s decision,” said Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, adding that canings were previously carried out in prison, behind closed doors.

“This is in accordance with religion. In Islam sentencing must be carried out in public,” he said today.

According to the report, Nassuruddin the need for the amendments was because it had been 15 years since the enactment had come into force and there had been many developments since then.

“Among the amendments are the introduction of public canings and the acceptance of video and other electronic equipment as evidence in court trials.

“The other amendments are technical in nature, like how the caning will be carried out and so on,” he said. – July 12, 2017.