PUTRAJAYA, June 9 — Chief Justice Tun Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh once said that justice must reach those who had long stood furthest from its protection, a simple yet enduring belief that the Malaysian judiciary continues to reaffirm today.

The remark, made during his speech at the Opening of the Legal Year 2026, referred to the Mobile Courts initiative launched in circa 2018.

“It was born out of necessity, to serve communities in remote and interior areas where travelling to a courthouse was often an insurmountable challenge, and in places where no permanent court buildings existed,” Wan Ahmad Farid was quoted as saying.

Nearly eight years later, the Mobile Courts initiative has since expanded into the Children’s Mobile Court, reflecting a shared commitment between the Judiciary and the federal government to a fairer, more child-sensitive justice system.

“When it comes to court, everyone feels scared and intimidated, especially children, whether as victims or witnesses.

“Before this, you including the children had to go to court in person but now the court comes to you.

“We don’t want people coming to court and not being able to give their evidence properly because they are intimidated by the building and the proceedings,” Registrar of the Subordinate Courts of Malaya Mohammed Mokhzani Mokhtar told Malay Mail during a recent interview at the Palace of Justice here.

An interior view of the Mobile Court (Mahkamah Bergerak) reveals a fully equipped hearing room, complete with a magistrate's bench, pictured during an exclusive interview with Malay Mail in Putrajaya. May 19, 2026. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

At the heart of the initiative are three components: 

• The Vehicle for Meaningful Redress (VMR), which safely transports child victims and witnesses
• The Victims’ Nexus to Justice (VNEJ), where children can testify remotely in a comfortable environment 
• The Vehicle for Nationwide Justice (VNJ), a courtroom on wheels equipped to hear cases outside conventional court settings.

“Though the feedback is not quantifiable, the information we gathered from our judges and prosecutors indicates it has been favourable.

“The reason is that child victims who attend court and hesitate while giving evidence are now able to complete their testimony without much difficulty.

“I cannot say the quality of their testimony is now better (as compared to in court), but the Children’s Mobile Court has facilitated and eased their anxiety during court proceedings,” Mohammed Mokhzani said.

In essence, the Children’s Mobile Court aims to create a conducive environment — physically, economically and emotionally — for children at every step, from their homes through their journey and into the courtroom.

“Because every time a victim goes to court, it can be a traumatic experience even if they are placed in a separate room from the accused (who may try to make their presence known).

“They go through it once and are then often required to relive it again when giving testimony, so our aim is to reduce that burden and make the process as supportive and least distressing as possible,” he said.

He noted that some families of child victims or witnesses also come from less privileged backgrounds, making trips to court a costly undertaking and the Children’s Mobile Court helps alleviate these costs by bringing court services closer to the children and their families.

An exterior view of the Mobile Court (Mahkamah Bergerak) truck parked outside the court complex in Putrajaya, showcased during an exclusive interview with Malay Mail. May 19, 2026. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Specially designed

Mohammed Mokhzani said the Judiciary’s Mobile Court primary setup is built around the VNEJ and the VNJ, and is later complemented by the VMR.

The VNEJ — a modified Weststar Maxus V80 multipurpose van — is equipped with daybeds, pillows, books, toys, air-conditioning and anatomical dolls to help children feel more comfortable while giving evidence, particularly in cases under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act.

It also doubles as a child witness room where children can testify via video conferencing during ongoing hearings, or as a temporary child witness room where specially appointed Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) assist in recording evidence.

Unlike the VNEJ, the VNJ — a modified Isuzu medium-duty truck — is essentially a courtroom on wheels, complete with nearly all the facilities found in a conventional courtroom.

This includes areas for the judge, prosecutors, lawyers, court staff, auxiliary police, the witness and the accused, except for a public gallery due to space constraints.

As the VNJ is a fully functioning courtroom, it may hear cases before a Magistrate, Sessions Court judge or High Court judge, provided all parties consent to its use.

Last but not least, the specially designated VMR — a modified Weststar Maxus G10 multipurpose van — is used to safely transport child victims and witnesses involved in criminal trials to court.

An exterior view of the Mobile Court (Mahkamah Bergerak) truck parked outside the court complex in Putrajaya, showcased during an exclusive interview with Malay Mail. May 19, 2026. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Not without challenges

While the Mobile Court initiative has had a positive impact since its launch, Mohammed Mokhzani noted that challenges remain, including the need for a stable power supply and reliable internet connectivity to ensure optimal function.

“While both the VMR and VNJ are equipped with their own generators, we prefer an external power source because it will be quieter and cause less disruption,” he said.

Security can also be a concern on certain occasions, as the VMR or VNJ are sometimes parked in public or less secure areas rather than within police stations or court complexes.

Nevertheless, Mohammed Mokhzani expressed the Judiciary’s appreciation to the federal government and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said for allocating RM5 million to procure 15 additional VNEJ units for nationwide deployment.

“The allocation will allow each state to have at least one van, except for Kedah and Perlis, which will share one, while Sabah and Sarawak will each receive two,” he said, adding that the procurement is expected to be completed by year’s end.

He also assured that if children must go through court proceedings, families can be assured that their welfare and protection will be better safeguarded than before.

“With our VLOs and this mobile court, we try to reduce the intimidation level to a minimum.

“It might work or not work, but at the very least we try to do something to alleviate the fear of going to court,” he said.

Registrar of the Subordinate Courts of Malaya, Mohammed Mokhzani Mokhtar, speaks to Malay Mail during an exclusive interview regarding the mobile court and children witness van initiatives in Putrajaya. May 19, 2026. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

PUTRAJAYA, June 10 — Finding the courage to enter a courtroom is a lot to ask of a child, even more so to ask them to testify or recount abuses, what more to identify the accused.

In those moments, a reassuring face can make all the difference. That is where Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) come in, to help them take that first step through the judicial process by making the unfamiliar feel a little less frightening.

Under the Chief Justice’s Practice Direction No. 1 of 2025 on the Operations of the Mobile Court for Children, a VLO is a Judiciary officer or staff member appointed by the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court to manage matters involving the use of the Children’s Mobile Court in criminal cases involving child victims or witnesses.

Informally, VLOs serve as trusted figures whom children can turn to for guidance and reassurance during court procedures and testimony recording sessions.

“They are the intermediaries between the victims, their families and the court.

“But most importantly, they are volunteers,” explained Registrar of the Subordinate Courts of Malaya Mohammed Mokhzani Mokhtar during a recent interview at the Palace of Justice here.

According to the Registrar’s Office, there are currently 42 active VLOs nationwide — six men and 36 women — serving in courts across every state.

Mohammed Mokhzani said the role played by VLOs under the Children’s Mobile Court initiative reflects the Judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that access to justice is not merely promised but meaningfully realised for vulnerable children.

The small but crucial workspace where trained VLOs support children throughout the court process with care and compassion. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

You’ve got a friend in me

As provided for under the Chief Justice’s Practice Direction, VLOs are generally assigned to proceedings involving cases under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act and remain involved throughout the process.

On trial days, VLOs must be ready at least 30 minutes before the Vehicle for Meaningful Redress (VMR) — a specially designated van used to transport child victims and witnesses in criminal trials — arrives at a child’s home.

VLOs are then assigned to the Victims’ Nexus to Justice (VNEJ) — a specially equipped mobile child witness room — where they accompany child victims or witnesses throughout proceedings and keep them and their next of kin informed of the court process until the case concludes.  

G Ishwary, a VLO attached to the Shah Alam Court Complex, said she introduces herself as kakak (elder sister in Bahasa Malaysia) and in some cases as ‘auntie’, particularly when dealing with younger victims.

This simple choice of address helps create familiarity and trust over time, making it easier for children to open up in what can otherwise be an intimidating setting.

“We also do away with our blazers to be as informal as possible, making us approachable and comfortable for the victims.

“Apart from anatomical dolls, we also have other toys for them to play with to make them more comfortable during our interactions later,” she told Malay Mail.

VLO G Ishwary speaks to Malay Mail during an interview at the Palace of Justice. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

In most of the cases she has handled, Ishwary said child victims or witnesses often hesitate when asked to give testimony, with the process of helping them open up taking time and patience.

In these instances, this reluctance stems from the emotional weight of what the children have endured, making it difficult for them to speak about their experiences in court.

“So we need to ensure they are calm enough to give clear testimony because they are giving evidence via video conference and the court holding the main hearing needs to listen clearly.

“For example, when prosecutors tender court exhibits, we also need to make sure they understand and fully comprehend the content of the documents being shown,” she said.

As an active VLO since the Children’s Mobile Court began in July last year, Ishwary recalled one recent case that left a deep impression on her.

“I remember it was a case in Pahang, and the victim was raped by her stepfather.

“The victim, who is now 15, had already begun giving her testimony on the first day, but on the second day she was hesitant when attempting to describe the incident in detail, and the hearing had to be postponed.

However, when the hearing resumed on the second day, the stepfather pleaded guilty.

“We did not get to finish the trial, but it impacted me greatly because as a stepfather, he raped her not once but twice, and I felt for the victim because she was 12-year-old when it happened,” she said.

The interior of the VNEJ where a child witness or victim provides their testimony via video conferencing in a safer and less intimidating setting under the guidance of a VLO. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

As the Children’s Mobile Court approaches its first anniversary since inception, Ishwary said the VNEJ has been instrumental in safeguarding the welfare of child victims and witnesses, allowing them to provide testimony remotely in a more comfortable environment.

“If they have moved or lack the facilities to attend court, the initiative is very helpful, although they may need time to adjust to it.

“But as VLOs, it is a crucial role that allows us to help victims affected by painful experiences and support them through the process,” she said.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — The High Court today ordered Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor to pay RM67.4 million — the estimated value of 43 jewellery pieces delivered to her in February 2018 — to their Lebanese owner.

High Court judge Quay Chew Soon granted the suit filed by Global Royalty Trading SAL against her, which sought to recover the 43 jewellery items or their claimed value of US$14.6 million after the items were seized during a police raid at Pavilion Residences in 2018.

Quay said the court found Rosmah liable for the missing jewellery pieces.

"After a full trial, I allowed the plaintiff's claim against the defendant.

"I ordered the defendant to pay the sum of RM67,461,027.37 to the plaintiff within one month from the date hereof," he said when delivering his decision.

Quay said the court also dismissed Rosmah’s claim for indemnity against PDRM, which was brought in as third parties in the proceedings.

Global Royalty filed the suit in 2023, seeking the return of the items or payment for their value after claiming the items were supplied to Rosmah on a consignment basis but were never returned.

MORE TO COME

PUTRAJAYA, June 10 — For child witnesses, speaking about traumatic abuse experiences in a courtroom setting can be overwhelming and distressing, especially when they struggle to recount important details of what they endured.

Enter the anatomical dolls — seemingly ordinary playthings with facial features (including a retractable tongue), limbs, clothing and realistic body proportions, including private parts — used by the Malaysian Judiciary in child witness proceedings.

Though unable to speak themselves, these specially tailored anatomical dolls play a crucial role in giving child witnesses a voice when trauma, shyness or limited vocabulary makes verbal testimony difficult.

In almost all cases involving sexual abuse, Registrar of the Subordinate Courts of Malaya Mohammed Mokhzani Mokhtar noted that anatomical dolls tend to play their most important role precisely when language falls short.

“In a psychological course I attended many years ago, we were told that there are almost 80 different names for the male genitalia in Bahasa Malaysia.

“Sometimes children go to court with that knowledge (of euphemistic terms), like they refer to the male genitalia as burung or ‘birdbird’, but they don’t use the correct terminology, right?

“So, instead of explaining it to the court, they explain it by showing, which is what the anatomical doll does,” he told Malay Mail during a recent interview at the Palace of Justice here.

The anatomical dolls feature facial characteristics, including a retractable tongue, as well as limbs, clothing and anatomically accurate body proportions, including genitalia. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Mohammed Mokhzani explained that prosecutors or judicial officers use the anatomical doll during interviews with child witnesses to indicate where a child was abused, either physically or sexually.

Describing a real-life example, he recalled handling a case involving a five-year-old victim sent to a nursery, whose molestation by the premises owner’s father was communicated through a brushing gesture made using the anatomical doll’s finger, indicating that she had been touched on her private parts.

“We ask the child what their abuser did, and then use the doll to help them narrate or describe their ordeal.”

The child’s account, conveyed through the anatomical doll, is then recorded as evidence and is admissible in court, he added.

While the use of anatomical dolls is not new, Mohammed Mokhzani said each Children’s Court — designated courtrooms that hear sexual offence cases involving children — in every court complex in Peninsular Malaysia is equipped with a full set, totalling five pairs.

Each pair is assigned to a specific age group and comprises both male and female dolls, representing infants, children, teenagers, adults and older persons.

Due to their importance in evidence-taking, he said anatomical dolls are a staple of the Judiciary’s Children’s Mobile Court initiative, with a set also kept in the Victims’ Nexus to Justice (VNEJ) — a specially designed van that serves as a mobile child witness room.

The VNEJ, which forms one of the initiative’s three components, is generally used in proceedings involving sexual offences against minors under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act.

Deputy Registrar Zuhair Rosli demonstrates how the anatomical doll’s retractable tongue works. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

*If you suspect child abuse, call the following hotlines for free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327(BEAR) (noon-midnight daily); and One Crisis Centre (24/7) Wilayah Persekutuan at 03-26155555 (Kuala Lumpur General Hospital), 03-61454333 (Sungai Buloh Hospital) or 03-83124200 (Putrajaya Hospital).