Hafidz Othman to Lead Malaysia’s Prisons Department from November 5

Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons (Community) Hafidz Othman has been appointed the new Commissioner General of Prisons, with his appointment taking effect on November 5. The Prisons Department announced that Hafidz received his appointment letter from Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. He will succeed Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak, who has held the top position since February 14, 2025. Hafidz brings 32 years of experience within the country’s prison system to the leadership role.

Veteran Prison Officer Brings Three Decades of Correctional Experience

Hafidz holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Universiti Teknologi MARA and began his career as a prison officer with the rank of Deputy Superintendent at Miri Prison in Sarawak. Throughout his service, he has held several senior positions, including heading Seremban Prison and the Negeri Sembilan Prisons Department.

His previous responsibilities also included leading the International Affairs and Prisoner Transfer Division, as well as the Correctional Division. He served as Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons (Management) in 2025 before taking up his latest appointment. The department expressed confidence that his experience and leadership would help strengthen correctional services in line with the Malaysia Madani aspirations and the Public Service Reform Agenda.

Hafidz Othman, a 32-year veteran of the prison service, will take over as Commissioner General of Prisons on November 5.

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