GEORGE TOWN, PENANG | 7 May 2025 – The Witness Protection Programme Seminar No. 1/2025, organised by the Protection Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BPJPM), was officially officiated this morning by YDH CP Datuk Hamzah bin Hj. Ahmad, Chief Police Officer of Penang, at G Hotel Gurney, George Town.
This seminar was held with the objective of enhancing awareness and understanding of the Witness Protection Act 2009 [Act 696] and the Witness Protection Programme among enforcement agencies operating in the state of Penang.
The Witness Protection Act 2009 [Act 696] is the sole legislation that provides for a structured programme to safeguard witnesses from threats and intimidation, particularly in serious and organised crime cases, as well as those involving public interest.
Under Act 696, the Protection Division (BPJPM) is entrusted with the responsibility of delivering comprehensive and reasonable protection and assistance to participants of the programme. This is in line with BPJPM’s core principle of maintaining uncompromising security standards and its motto: “Witness Protection – The Pillar of the National Justice System.”
The seminar featured several key presentations. Paper 1, titled “Protection of Witness Safety and Welfare from the Perspective of the Witness Protection Act 2009 [Act 696],” was presented by YBrs. Tuan Khairul Anwar bin Zakaria @ Abdul Hamid, Director-General of BPJPM.
This was followed by the presentation of Papers 2 and 3 by YBrs. Puan Nur Hidayah Raihan binti Md. Nasir, Registrar of BPJPM. These sessions focused on investigative procedures for evaluating witness eligibility for the programme, and the effectiveness of witness protection in ensuring witness safety throughout court proceedings.
The seminar drew the participation of 250 officers from various enforcement agencies in Penang, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), and the Penang State Immigration Department (JIM).
