KUCHING: Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah has officially taken over as the 29th Sarawak Police Commissioner, becoming the youngest officer to helm the state’s top post.
The 47-year-old Lawas native was also promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police (CP) by Bukit Aman Special Branch Director. Datuk Ibrahim Darus.
Following the conferment of rank, outgoing Police Commissioner, Datuk Mancha Ata, 60, handed over the CP duties and the staff of leadership to Zainal, witnessed by Ibrahim.
The handover ceremony took place at the Senior Officer’s Mess, Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) here, this morning.
In his speech, Ibrahim congratulated Zainal on his promotion and appointment, describing it as both a symbolic transition of leadership and a continuation of the mandate to safeguard Sarawak’s peace and security.
He added that crime trends in Sarawak, particularly in commercial crimes, were on the rise and becoming more complex due to the presence of hard-to-trace digital platforms.
“However, I am confident in Zainal’s vast experience and strong track record. He is well equipped to lead Sarawak police with effective strategies. Zainal is truly the right person in the right place,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Zainal expressed his gratitude for the trust given and thanked the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) leadership as well as the state and federal governments for the trust placed in him.
“As a Sarawakian, this responsibility is very great, to ensure that the security and well-being of the state is always maintained,” he said.
Previously, he served as Deputy Director (Investigation/Legal) of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department, in addition to having led the Dang Wangi and Perak Tengah District Police.
He holds several academic qualifications in law, administration and human resources, in addition to having attended a management programme at Harvard Business School, Harvard University, United States.
The event also witnessed the handing over of duties for the Sarawak Police Family Association (PERKEP) chairperson from Datin Jennita William to Datin Dr Nitce Isa Medina Machmudi Isa, witnessed by Bukit Aman Special Branch PERKEP Chairperson, Datin Zanilatun Kamariah Zakaria.
