Hafidz Othman appointed new Prisons Department chief, takes office on Nov 5

Hafidz Othman holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), began his career as a prison officer with the rank of Deputy Superintendent at Miri Prison in Sarawak. — Picture via Facebook

First Published: Tuesday, 03 Nov 2026 8:02 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 3 — Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons (Community) Hafidz Othman has been appointed the new Commissioner General of Prisons, effective Nov 5, the Prisons Department said.

In a statement today, the department said 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 post since Feb 14, 2025.

Hafidz, who holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), began his career as a prison officer with the rank of Deputy Superintendent at Miri Prison in Sarawak.

During his 32 years of service, he has held several key positions, including heading Seremban Prison, Negeri Sembilan Prisons, the International Affairs and Prisoner Transfer Division, and the Correctional Division, according to the statement.

He also served as Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons (Management) in 2025.

The department expressed hope that Hafidz would draw on his experience, expertise and leadership to further strengthen its correctional services, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani and the Public Service Reform Agenda. — Bernama