KEBOLEHTERIMAAN RAKAMAN AUDIO DAN VIDEO SEBAGAI KETERANGAN DI MAHKAMAH SYARIAH DAN SIVIL DI MALAYSIA: ANALISIS PERUNDANGAN PERBANDINGAN

Penerimaan keterangan berbentuk rakaman audio dan video dalam prosiding Mahkamah Syariah dan Mahkamah Sivil di Malaysia menunjukkan perkembangan signifikan seiring kemajuan teknologi digital. Bukti berasaskan multimedia kini memainkan peranan penting dalam memperkukuh fakta kes, namun menimbulkan persoalan berkaitan ketulenan, kebolehpercayaan, serta kesahihan prosedur pembuktian di sisi undang-undang. Kajian ini meneliti isu dan implikasi perundangan berhubung kebolehterimaan rakaman audio dan video sebagai bahan keterangan, dengan tumpuan khusus terhadap amalan di Mahkamah Syariah. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan analisis dokumen kualitatif melibatkan perbandingan antara peruntukan undang-undang, keputusan kes mahkamah, serta pandangan sarjana hukum Syariah dan sivil. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa meskipun Mahkamah Sivil memperuntukkan mekanisme khusus melalui Seksyen 90A hingga 90C Akta Keterangan 1950, Mahkamah Syariah pula masih bergantung kepada tafsiran umum di bawah Enakmen Keterangan Mahkamah Syariah (Sabah) 2004. Perbezaan ini menimbulkan cabaran dari segi ketulenan bukti digital, dan keperluan kepakaran teknikal. Kajian ini juga menekankan kepentingan peranan pakar forensik digital dalam menilai bukti berasaskan teknologi agar keputusan kehakiman tidak terjejas oleh manipulasi digital atau kelemahan teknikal. Justeru, kajian mencadangkan penambahbaikan melalui pewujudan garis panduan pengesahan teknikal, latihan digital kepada pegawai kehakiman, serta harmonisasi perundangan antara sistem sivil dan Syariah. Implikasi kajian ini diharap dapat memperkukuh integriti sistem perundangan dan memastikan keadilan Islam terpelihara dalam era digital.

The acceptance of audio and video recordings as evidence in the proceedings of Malaysia’s Syariah and Civil Courts reflects a significant development parallel to the advancement of digital technology. Multimedia-based evidence now plays a crucial role in strengthening factual claims; however, it also raises concerns regarding authenticity, reliability, and the procedural validity of proof within the legal framework. This study examines the legal issues and implications surrounding the admissibility of audio and video recordings as evidence, with particular emphasis on their application in the Syariah Courts. Adopting a qualitative document analysis approach, the study compares relevant legal provisions, judicial decisions, and scholarly perspectives from both Syariah and civil law viewpoints. The findings indicate that while the Civil Courts provide specific mechanisms under Sections 90A to 90C of the Evidence Act 1950, the Syariah Courts continue to rely on broader interpretations under the Syariah Court Evidence Enactment (Sabah) 2004. This disparity presents challenges in terms of digital evidence authentication and the need for technical expertise in handling such materials. The study further highlights the importance of digital forensic experts in evaluating technology-based evidence to prevent judicial decisions from being compromised by digital manipulation or technical deficiencies. Consequently, this paper recommends improvements through the establishment of technical verification guidelines, digital competency training for judicial officers, and harmonisation of legal frameworks between the civil and Syariah court systems. The implications of this study are expected to strengthen the integrity of the legal system and uphold the principles of Islamic justice in the digital era.