To All Members and Pupils in Chambers,

RE: COURTESY CALL WITH PENGARAH LOWER COURTS IPOH BY THE PERAK BAR COMMITTEE 

We refer to the above matter.

The Perak Bar Committee made a courtesy call on the new Pengarah of the Lower Courts on 23.9.2025 and took the opportunity to discuss some issues affecting practice in general and civil practice in particular. The said meeting was also attended by some of the judicial officers.

In the said meeting some of the issues raised by both sides were as follows:-

1. Touting in Ipoh Lower court premises

Arising from the complaints received from some of our members the issue of touting in Ipoh Lower Courts was brought up by our Chairman with a view to curbing such practice as it is not only in violation of legal practice etiquette but it is also a criminal offence under section 15A of the Minor Offences Act 1955. The Pengarah made it known that they are aware of such unhealthy practice and requested the Perak Bar Committee to inform its members to refrain from indulging in such practices failing which action will be undertaken to curb it. Therefore, to preserve the integrity and image of Perak Bar in particular and the legal profession at large we urge all members to heed the call and refrain being involved in touting.

2. Payment for sealed orders of proceedings in Chambers 

Again, arising from complaint from one of our members, we raised the issue of the correct filing fees for orders that are given pursuant to applications filed under Order 32 of the Rules of Court 2012 which are deemed as applications in Chamber. Although filed as “Dalam Kamar” however when the draft is approved it is changed to “Dalam Mahkamah Terbuka” resulting in a payment of filing fees of RM200.00 instead of RM40.00. It was agreed in the meeting that the payment should be RM40.00 only and the filing should be done under “Perintah Dalam Kamar”. Kindly take note and if the problem persists inform the Perak Bar Committee.

3. E – Review 

Judicial officers highlighted that there are firms which permit their staff to do the e-review instead of the lawyer handling the matter. It must be borne in mind that what is recorded during e-review is part of the court proceedings. The danger is the staff may not understand the significance of any instructions or directives given by the court. Therefore, we urge all counsel to refrain from permitting their staff to do e-review and the counsel in charge of the matter handle it personally.

Regards,

S.V.NAMASOO
Chairperson
Courts Liaison & Civil Practice Sub Committee