Immigration Dept empowers prosecutors via witness training course

PORT DICKSON: The Malaysian Immigration Department has been working with the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to empower its prosecutors in the field of submission, witnesses and evidence presentation in court.
Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said a total 30 immigration officers nationwide underwent a six-day Witness Training Course here, beginning March 17.
"This is our collaboration with the international body in terms of capacity building to ensure not only the witnesses in court but the participants who are also the prosecutors to gain exposure from the experiences and cases discussed during the course.
"Through this course, it will also increase the efficiency of immigration officials in matters of court submission and evidence, as well as the criminal justice system we uphold," he told the media after the closing of the course today.
Also present was British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Victoria Treadell.
Mustafar said in today's borderless world, prosecutors faced challenges to prove the case as suspects were increasingly daring to challenge the law.
"Through the course, this is how we strengthen our capabilities in presenting the evidence in court," he said.
He said out of the 16,700 illegal immigrants arrested last year, 70% were taken to court.
Meanwhile, Treadell said the course was an example of cooperation between the two countries in combating crime.
"We are delighted to support this important course like how to present evidence during prosecution.
"It is the first of many more collaborations and working with the Malaysian Immigration Department and their personnel on how we can look at challenges and how we can find common solutions," she added. — Bernama