KUCHING: Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata received a grand send-off today.
He was honoured with a salute from more than 300 personnel and two helicopter flypasts during his final monthly assembly.
The ceremony marked his last official gathering with the contingent ahead of his mandatory retirement on Sept 29, closing the chapter on a policing career that spanned more than three decades.
In his farewell address, Mancha described the moment as deeply personal and meaningful after leading the Sarawak police through years of challenges and achievements.
“This gathering is especially significant to me as it marks my final monthly assembly as the Sarawak Police Commissioner.
“Although I will retire on Sept 29, my heart and soul will always remain with the force,” he said at the Sarawak Contingent Police headquarters (IPK).
He expressed his highest gratitude to all levels of the Sarawak police for their support, cooperation and trust throughout his tenure, pledging to continue supporting the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) even after retirement.
The ceremony also saw him presenting certificates of appreciation to department chiefs, district police chiefs, formation heads and nine narcotics officers for their recent success in major anti-drug operations.
As the assembly drew to a close, two helicopters from the Sarawak Police Air Wing (PGU) flew past the parade ground in an aerial salute, capping off the poignant farewell.
Mancha, Sarawak’s first Iban police commissioner, began his career in Perak with the elite VAT69 special forces before moving on to command roles with the Sabah and later Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) Brigades.
In 2021, he was appointed Deputy Sarawak Police Commissioner and took the helm as commissioner in November 2023.
Tomorrow (Sept 26), Mancha will formally hand over his duties to incoming police commissioner Lawas-born Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, a senior officer from Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (Investigation/Legal).
The ceremony at the Senior Officer’s Mess will be witnessed by Bukit Aman Special Branch director CP Datuk Ibrahim Darus.
