Saifullizan Ishak named new Sarawak police chief, Zailanni Amit appointed deputy

Commissioner of Police Saifullizan Ishak has been appointed Sarawak police chief after previously serving in an acting capacity. — The Borneo Post pic

First Published: Saturday, 07 Nov 2026 10:41 AM MYT

KUCHING, Nov 7 — DCP Saifullizan Ishak has been promoted to Commissioner of Police (CP) and appointed Sarawak’s new police chief.

In a Facebook post on its official page, Polis Sarawak, the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters announced that DCP Zailanni Amit would replace him as Sarawak deputy police commissioner.

“Indeed, these promotions and appointments are a most meaningful recognition of the dedication, commitment, experience and meritorious service rendered throughout their careers in the Royal Malaysia Police.

“They are not merely a career achievement, but also a trust and a great responsibility demanding wisdom, firmness and leadership of integrity,” the post read.

Saifullizan previously served as acting Sarawak police commissioner following the transfer of his predecessor, Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, to Bukit Aman, where he assumed the post of management director last month.

Hailing from Kedah, Saifullizan, 56, had also held various posts throughout his 31-year service with the police since 1995 — including chief assistant director for integrity, Special Branch chief assistant director, security liaison officer for the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore, and investigating officer.

He holds a Master of Social Science in Policing Studies from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a Diploma in Investigative Science from Universiti Malaya (UM), and is a Certified Integrity Officer (CeIO). — The Borneo Post