Kuala lumpur: The Witness Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening witness protection measures and incorporating psychological support and post-protection assistance, was introduced for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), announced that the Bill would proceed to its second reading during the current parliamentary session.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Bill, as detailed on Parliament's official portal, includes significant amendments such as allowing parents or guardians to apply for inclusion in the witness protection programme on behalf of witnesses lacking legal capacity. Clause 2 of the Bill aims to modify subsection 7(3) of the Witness Protection Act 2009 (Act 696) by adding the phrase "or lacks legal capacity" after "under the age of eighteen years."

Moreover, Clause 3 introduces new Sections 10A and 10B into Act 696. Section 10A mandates that participants in the witness protection programme, or their representatives, enter into a written agreement that details the terms and conditions of protection, the participant's obligations, and related matters. This agreement must be signed before a designated officer. Section 10B allows for the continuity of existing agreements between programme participants and the government, ensuring they remain valid under the amended Act and that both parties maintain their rights and benefits.

Additionally, Clause 4 proposes changes to subsection 13(2) of Act 696 to include psychological assistance, such as counselling services, as part of the support available to participants in the witness protection programme.