The Federal Court chief registrar’s office in Putrajaya said the transparent barriers would be installed at the counsel’s table, witness box, dock in the courtrooms and remand rooms.

According to the chief registrar’s office, the judiciary has started the transparent barrier pilot project at the Sepang sessions and magistrate courts early this month.

“The initiative to instal barriers is in line with the judiciary’s efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in court premises and ensure that justice services can run safely and smoothly,” it said.

Lawyer Zaflee Pakwanteh, 51, who was in the Sepang magistrates’ court on Monday for mention of a case, said he welcomed the move.

“I strongly agree with the installation of the barriers, especially at the dock. That is the most important thing to ensure the safety of court interpreters and lawyers who have to deal with the accused.

“Prior to this, I wore a face shield in court,” said the lawyer who has been practising law for 25 years.

Meanwhile, lawyer Sheelan Arjunan, 44, who was also at the Sepang magistrates’ court on Feb 8, confirmed that such barriers were already in place.

“The Sepang courts have taken extra precaution in ensuring the safety of not only its court staff but the lawyers and members of the public as well,” said Sheelan who has been practising law for 18 years and handling mostly criminal cases.

According to the standard operating procedures during the Covid-19 pandemic issued by the court registrar’s office, media coverage in open court proceedings is not allowed, except for cases involving public interest, and the court may consider providing space for live broadcast or media coverage facility via the zoom application.

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