Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak (JAIS)

Islamic institutions began to grow in Sarawak since the 16th century, covering the coastal areas of Sarawak. Starting in 1842, under the “Brooke reign” Muslims affairs was controlled by “Datu-Datu” that have been appointed. In December 1954, the incorporation of Islamic council ordinance, chapter 105 has established a council of Islam and Malay customs agency responsible for administering the affairs of the Islamic state. Islamic council incorporation ordinance has undergone several amendments (last amendments in 2011) in order to uphold the Sarawak Islamic Council, Majlis Islam Sarawak (MIS) as the highest religious body in Sarawak. As a result of these amendments, Sarawak Islamic Religious Department, Jabatan Agama Islam (JAIS) was established on August 17, 1990 in line with the establishment ofthe Islamic religious department states throughout Malaysia together with the creation of Government Agencies and State Mufti Office (1998). As the executor of policies decided by the Majlis Islam Sarawak, Sarawak Islamic Religious Department director is also the secretary to Sarawak Islamic Council. JAIS are responsible for ensuring the implementation of the teachings of Islam in this country according to the understanding of Ahli Sunnah wal Jamaah with regard to religious tolerance policy adopted by the state government based on the teachings oftrue Islam religion.