(STAR; February 6, 2007)

KUCHING: Court proceedings in Sarawak is going high-tech following the launch of video and teleconferencing facilities as well as a short message service (SMS) and file tracking system.

Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, who launched the facility at the Courthouse Complex here yesterday, said video conferencing would reduce postponements and expedite proceedings besides saving travelling time and expenses for lawyers.

Video conferencing is currently available at the Kuching and Miri High Courts while teleconferencing is available in Sibu and Bintulu.

The facilities are supplied and supported by Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd with the support of the state government.

Ahmad Fairuz, who participated in a demonstration of a video and teleconferencing session with judicial staff in Miri, Sibu and Bintulu, said Sarawak had created history by becoming the first state in Malaysia to have such facilities.

He said he would look into the possibility of using video conferencing in all cases.