19/12/2025

FRIDAY | DEC 19, 2025

2 Assist former prison inmates, says Sultan Nazrin

Border agency to introduce dedicated service scheme PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA) is poised to introduce its own dedicated service scheme next year, signifying a major step in overhauling the agency’s structure, culture and discipline. Its Director-General Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the scheme would end reliance on recruiting officers from six core agencies – Customs Department, Immigration Department, Road Transport Department, Wildlife and National Parks Department, Health Ministry and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department. “Once our own MCBA scheme is established, we will be permitted to conduct new recruitment. One of the key aspects I will emphasise is respect for authority, discipline and the chain of command, not merely understanding them but fully embedding the culture. “It will be a regimented approach, purely to instil discipline and to change the current state of affairs. This is the best opportunity for us to implement this reform as everyone has been saying: ‘This has been going on for too long. How much longer must we continue like this?’” He was speaking yesterday during a media briefing on MCBA’s achievements and its direction for 2026. Mohd Shuhaily said the initiative aligns with the government’s aspiration to reinforce national entry point controls to be more effective, transparent and trusted by the public, while also ensuring that MCBA develops as an integrated and professional border security agency. He added that Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar has acknowledged and endorsed the move. On efforts to instil a “chain of command” culture, Mohd Shuhaily said the current work culture across the six core agencies involved is still not fully “regimented”, despite each one having its own rank and training systems. Explaining this with an example, he cited the longstanding directive prohibiting immigration officers from using mobile phones at inspection counters. “This directive has been in place for decades, issued by the Immigration director-general. I feel I’ve talked myself hoarse, written the orders. My pen is nearly worn out. Yet, it still happens. Why? Because they do not respect the chain of command. If this continues, it is as if I am turning a blind eye.” Mohd Shuhaily stressed that change within the national border control service is inevitable and aligns with public demand and expectation. – Bernama

IPOH: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah has consented for the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council to collaborate with the Prisons Department in Perak to pioneer efforts in assisting former inmates. He said he has instructed the Mufti Department to study whether former prisoners fall under any eligible asnaf categories entitled to zakat assistance to help them rebuild their lives. “I have directed the council to consider allocating funds to support released prisoners by enabling them to undergo suitable skills training programmes so that they can quickly embark on a productive life after serving their prison sentences. “Prisoners have gone through the experience of being arrested by the police, standing trial in court and undergoing detention in prison.” Sultan Nazrin was speaking at the presentation of instruments of appointment to the president and members of the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, syariah court judges and members of the Mosque Consultative Council as well as the handover ceremony of business and income zakat yesterday. Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and council president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini. Sultan Nazrin said it is his view that there should be an entity or body that focuses attention on former inmates, and the council could play a constructive role in helping them start

Sultan Nazrin arriving for the event at the Royal Perak Golf Club in Ipoh yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

a new chapter in life. His Royal Highness said the council has established cooperation with the Prisons Department in Perak to pioneer community development programmes through the introduction of a high-impact Islamic correctional model at the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre and Tapah Prison, which has received an encouraging response.

“Beginning January this year, a tahfiz academy was established at the Batu Gajah Women’s Correctional Centre with seven participants. One of them has successfully memorised six juzuk of the Quran. “In February, a Quran memorisation programme was introduced at Tapah Prison, attracting 18 participants, some of whom have managed to memorise three juzuk of the Quran.”

Sultan Nazrin said the programmes at both prison centres are funded through waqf and zakat allocations to provide equipment, learning facilities and teaching personnel. The Ruler said the funding also supports welfare activities as part of a holistic rehabilitation effort encompassing physical, emotional, intellectual and moral development. – Bernama

Chief justice vows to uphold judicial independence

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent appointment of Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the 17th chief justice of the Federal Court marked an important milestone. The prolonged speculation over the appointment concluded on July 18 when the Chief Registrar’s Office formally announced the elevation of then Court of Appeal Judge Wan Ahmad Farid to the apex role. A native of Kuala Terengganu, the Tuan Mat, to focus on advancing and strengthening judiciary o Wan Ahmad Farid, who succeeds Tun Tengku Maimun

63-year-old was appointed to the Court of Appeal just last November, succeeded former chief justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who retired on July 2. Wan Ahmad Farid’s previous positions were as political secretary to former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi from 2003 to 2008 and as deputy home minister from 2008 to 2009. The appointment was executed in accordance with Article 122B(1) of the Federal Constitution, having received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong following consultations with the Conference of Rulers, and on the advice of the prime minister. The culmination of the process was an investiture at the Palace of Justice on Aug 6, where Wan Ahmad Farid took his oath of office. He vowed to be an unwavering jurist who

guardian of judicial independence and commit himself to the ongoing advancement and strengthening of the institution, Bernama reported. “Let the message of judicial independence resonate loudly and clearly. It must echo beyond the halls of the Palace of Justice and other courtrooms to reach every layer of society and every corner of power in our nation.” He added that in his first 100 days in office, he had taken concrete steps to address case backlogs and improve access to justice, including appointing additional judicial commissioners and expanding mediation services. Wan Ahmad Farid outlined his plans to establish a new Commercial Court division in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen investor confidence and facilitate swifter resolution of commercial disputes. He said judges should be

evaluated strictly on judicial conduct, the calibre of their rulings, their demeanour in court and their equitable treatment of all parties rather than on any external considerations or private background. He emphasised that judicial rulings must be based solely on facts and the law, free from external influence, and that judges must appropriately consider all mitigating aspects when passing sentence. Advancing this vision, Wan Ahmad Farid has reactivated the Court of Appeal Circuit sessions in Penang to provide easier access for northern states. This measure is also expected to improve efficiency by reducing delays in appeal proceedings as lawyers and affected parties from northern states no longer need to travel to Putrajaya for hearings.

Immigration Amendment Bill passed KUALA LUMPUR: Operators of sea vessels, aircraft and trains arriving at berths, airports or entry points in Malaysia will soon be required to submit passenger name records and passenger information. stipulated under the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was passed by the Dewan Negara on Wednesday. “Failure to submit passenger name records, advance passenger

an offence,” he said when tabling the Bill for its second reading. Shamsul Anuar said the Bill also provides for inspections of sea vessels, aircraft or trains to determine the presence or absence of other persons on board the conveyance as well as the obligation to submit

relevant documents. He said all officers of the Border Control and Protection Agency would be required to wear body cameras while on duty, while counters would be monitored by CCTV cameras equipped with artificial intelligence based video analytics. – Bernama

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said this is

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