KUALA LUMPUR: The government allocates RM10mil to expand mobile court services, including the Mobile Children’s Court and the Justice on Wheels van initiative.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the funding is part of the RM165mil under Budget 2026 for court facilities.
She said this reflects the Madani government’s commitment to strengthening the judicial branch.
“Although Malaysia has an extensive court network, access remains limited in remote, island and rural areas,” she said on Wednesday (Oct 29).
She was winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2026 in Parliament.
Recognising this gap, she said mobile court services will be expanded with child friendly witness rooms and modified vehicles functioning as full courtrooms.
“This shows a focus on wider access to justice in rural and interior regions. The principle of access to justice for all must be reflected in action,” she added.
“For 2026, Justice on Wheels will be expanded through Kembara Justice on Wheels Madani and the Santuni Madani outreach,” she said.
She said these will target rural and small town communities far from state capitals.
Azalina said the initiative complements the Legal Aid and Public Defence Act 2025, which expands access to legal representation.
“This Act ensures no one is left behind in receiving fair legal representation,” she said.
She said the government launched the Special Guidelines for Handling Child Sexual Offence Cases 2025 on Oct 24, adding that the guidelines show a shared commitment to a fairer and more child sensitive justice system.
She thanked the Chief Justice, the Chief Judge of Malaya and the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli, for their support.
“One major challenge is obtaining testimony from children in formal court settings,” she said.
“When testimony is recorded in a mobile witness van, children are calmer and more willing to speak,” she added.
She said the judiciary’s 2026 direction includes enhancing mobile courts, witness banks, on site facilities and ICT equipped vehicles.
She said this will make processes more child sensitive and effective, adding that studies show many child victims later withdraw testimony as adults.
She said early, safe and accessible testimony collection is crucial to prevent cases being dismissed for insufficient evidence.
