29 April 2026, Kuching, Sarawak – The opening ceremony of the Witness Protection Program Seminar 2026 (Sarawak State Level), organised by the Protection Division, Prime Minister’s Department (BPJPM), was officiated by the Sarawak Police Commissioner, YDH CP Datuk Mohamad Zainal bin Haji Abdullah, at Pullman Hotel, Kuching.
The seminar was organised as an initiative to strengthen knowledge and understanding of the Witness Protection Act 2009 [Act 696] and the implementation of the Witness Protection Program among enforcement agencies throughout Sarawak. Act 696 is a dedicated legislation that provides protection mechanisms for witnesses in order to prevent intimidation, particularly in cases involving serious and organised crimes affecting public interest.
Under this Act, the Protection Division of the Prime Minister’s Department is entrusted with the responsibility of providing comprehensive assistance and protection to eligible participants in the Witness Protection Program. This initiative reflects BPJPM’s commitment to ensuring the safety of witnesses and safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s justice system, in line with its motto, “Witness Protection: The Pillar of the National Justice System.”
The seminar’s main agenda featured the presentation of Paper 1 titled “Protecting the Voice of Justice: Witness Protection Mechanisms from the Perspective of the Witness Protection Act 2009 [Act 696]” by the Director General of the Protection Division, Prime Minister’s Department, YBrs. Tuan Khairul Anwar bin Zakaria @ Abdul Hamid.
This was followed by presentations of Paper 2 and Paper 3 by the Registrar of BPJPM, YBrs. Puan Nur Hidayah Raihan binti Md. Nasir, which discussed the investigation mechanisms and evaluation criteria for admission into the Witness Protection Program. The session also highlighted the effectiveness of the program in supporting court proceedings and ensuring the safety of protected witnesses.
The seminar gathered 292 participants, comprising officers from various enforcement agencies and government departments in Sarawak, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Sarawak, Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) Sarawak Branch, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sarawak, Immigration Department of Malaysia (Sarawak), Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Sarawak), National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) Sarawak, as well as other government agencies and strategic partners across the state.
The Protection Division, Prime Minister’s Department, extends its appreciation to all participating departments and agencies for their commitment and cooperation in making the state-level seminar a success. It is hoped that the knowledge shared through this program will further strengthen the implementation of the Witness Protection Act 2009 [Act 696] in upholding the rule of law in Sarawak and throughout Malaysia.
