KUALA LUMPUR – The police will resume their investigation into the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, following a recent High Court ruling instructing the authorities to do so.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the decision, saying that it was made after reviewing the court’s directive.
“The court has clearly instructed the police to do two things: reopen or continue the investigation, and present Pastor Koh to show proof of his existence and whereabouts,” he said during a press conference at the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDAT) 2025 event today, as reported by The Star.
Saifuddin further explained that he had received a full briefing on the case from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) last Friday, November 7, and that the ministry was taking the court’s directive seriously. He also noted that failure to comply would result in financial liabilities for the government.
“This matter now falls under police jurisdiction. That is why, before making any decisions, I needed to gain a closer understanding of the facts of the case. It is my responsibility now to ensure that the directives are implemented,” he added.
The minister clarified that he could not comment on the government’s appeal against the High Court’s decision, as that is a matter for the AGC.
“My focus is on the part that involves the police, as ordered by the court. That is what I am currently working on with the Inspector-General of Police,” Saifuddin said.
The High Court had previously ruled that the government must pay RM3.26 million in damages to the family of missing activist Amri Che Mat and over RM37 million to Koh’s family after determining that the authorities were responsible for their disappearances. Amri was last seen on November 24, 2016, while Koh disappeared on February 13, 2017.
Both cases were initially investigated by a Royal Commission of Inquiry, which found evidence of forced disappearances, and later by a special task force set up in 2019.
Saifuddin also mentioned that his ministry is committed to ensuring accountability in the case. “This is about justice and transparency. If there were any failures, the government must be responsible,” he said.
In the same briefing, the Home Minister outlined ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Malaysia. He revealed that a new National Action Plan on Anti-Trafficking in Persons (2026–2030) is being developed, with a launch planned for February 2026.
The new plan, which will build upon the current 2021–2025 framework, will focus on five key areas: governance, law enforcement, victim protection, prevention, and international cooperation. It aims to improve coordination among enforcement agencies, increase prosecution and conviction rates, and enhance recognition of victims in high-risk sectors such as domestic work and agriculture.
“The government is committed to a zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking. We want to build a national response ecosystem that is more effective, transparent, and centred on human rights,” Saifuddin said.
He also noted that Malaysia has made progress in the US State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, having moved up from Tier 3 to Tier 2 in recent years. – November 10, 2025