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KUCHING: A mediation corner has been set up at the lobby of the Court Complex here to encourage settlement of legal disputes by way of mediation instead of going for full trial, which could go on for more than a year.
Kuching High Court judicial commissioner Rhodzariah Bujang said based on the level of difficulty, some cases could be settled within a day or one session.

"The mediation service is free and involves only civil cases," she said here yesterday.

Rhodzariah said mediation sessions would be conducted either by a High Court judge, Sessions Court judge, deputy registrar or magistrate.

"The parties should not have any fear of the judge or court officer being biased if the mediation fails because if the case goes for full trial, a different judge or court officer will be assigned to hear the case."

She said leaflets with a brief explanation on the mediation process in various languages and a consent slip for parties to fill, should they agree to settle by mediation, were available at the mediation corner.

She said since 2007, out of 471 civil cases registered, 177 cases had been settled through mediation, mostly involving divorce, vehicle claims, land and contract cases.

Those interested in settling by mediation in Kuching can call the Deputy Registrar, Dayang Ellyn Narisa Abang Ahmad, at 082-442228 ext 136 or the respective court registries in their towns, which have their own mediation corners.