SHAH ALAM – Selangor residents, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who face disputes with neighbours or domestic problems, can access free mediation services through the Selangor Council of Justices of the Peace.
Its president, Tan Sri Jason Goh Teck Chai, said the service aims to help the public find amicable solutions without having to bear the cost of mediation.
He said a mediation centre established in collaboration with the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) is now operating at the Klang Royal City Council Plaza, while another centre will be set up in Shah Alam following approval from the Federal Court.
"Some people cannot afford to see a lawyer. They come to us instead. What matters is that both parties must come to our office for mediation and we will act as the intermediary.
"If only one party is willing to come and the other cannot attend, we cannot help either," he told Sinar Daily when met today.
Jason Goh said disputes that could be referred to the centre included misunderstandings between neighbours, parking issues and domestic problems.
He explained that the mediation process begins with separate interviews with each party before both are brought together to seek a mutually agreed solution.
If an agreement is reached, a settlement form will be completed and submitted to the relevant authorities for further action, he said.
Meanwhile, he said approximately 190 Justices of the Peace in Selangor would be mobilised to strengthen the services provided to the public.
He said the council had also sought consideration from Selangor State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin for dedicated office space at all district councils to facilitate the operation of mediation centres.
"Nowadays, people have to pay for many services. So, I have instructed all Justices of the Peace to provide free services, such as advisory services, mediation and document certification, at the mediation centres.
"As Justices of the Peace, we want to prove to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, that we will play our role from now on," he added.
He also said the Selangor Council of Justices of the Peace was working with the police, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the Selangor National Unity and Integration Department to support the implementation of the services.