Azalina to seek funds for more legal aid offices in rural areas

KOTA TINGGI: Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said will seek funds under the 2027 budget to expand the establishment of legal aid department satellite offices in rural areas nationwide.

Azalina said this will help those in remote and rural areas gain easier access to legal aid services and become aware of their rights to legal protection and assistance.

“When we talk about legal aid, we must provide protection to the people so that they know they have the right to obtain legal assistance.

“That is why I will apply for an allocation in next year’s budget. If we can establish more satellite offices in districts located far from state offices, it will make it easier for the public to access legal aid services,” she told reporters after officiating the legal aid department’s satellite office at the Pengerang court in Bandar Penawar here today.

Azalina, who is also the Pengerang MP, said the service would be further strengthened through the use of vans under the Justice on Wheels programme, which can reach villages and remote areas, including those in Sabah and Sarawak.

“For me, there is no point amending the Legal Aid and Public Defence Act if people do not know where to seek protection and assistance.

“I have also instructed the director-general (of the department) to ensure that these services are provided in all areas, including constituencies represented by the opposition,” she said.