KUCHING: Former Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata officially assumed the position of Sarawak Police Commissioner on Friday (Nov 10).
He succeeds Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri, who now serves as the director of the Criminal Investigation and Traffic Enforcement Department at Bukit Aman.
Comm Mancha’s new position marks him as the fourth Sarawakian to assume this role.
The transfer of duties and rank presentation ceremony took place at the Officers Mess within the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK). The event was overseen by Datuk Seri Ramli Mohammad Yoosuf, the director of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department of Bukit Aman.
The proceedings commenced with the pinning of the insignia onto Comm Mancha’s uniform, conducted by Ramli.
Subsequently, the ceremony progressed with the formal signing of the handover documents, the exchange of handover notes, and the transfer of responsibilities from Mohd Azman to Comm Mancha.
The same event also saw the handover of the position of the Sarawak Perkep chairperson from Datin Nassariah Mohd Nassir to Datin Jennita William, witnessed by the Perkep chairperson of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department of Bukit Aman, Datin Seri Fatimah Moyedden.
During his address, Comm Mancha expressed that being appointed as the Sarawak Police Commissioner is both a tremendous honour and a substantial responsibility to lead the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in Sarawak.
He underscored the weight of the substantial and demanding role he now holds.
“Therefore, I sincerely hope that Department Chiefs, Formation Chiefs, and District Police Chiefs can provide their full cooperation and support to continue the legacy of excellence of PDRM Sarawak.
“As the newly appointed Sarawak Police Commissioner, I certainly have my own principles in leading the leadership of PDRM Sarawak, based on the two main focuses of the National Chief of Police, which are service supported by integrity and good governance, as well as supporting government policies towards the wellbeing of the community.”
On the other hand, Mohd Azman reflected that he has encountered a mix of challenging and rewarding experiences during his tenure as Sarawak Police Commissioner, which began on April 18, 2022.
“Even though my tenure with PDRM Sarawak is only a year and some more, the fact is that we have together worked to safeguard the welfare of the community and enhance our reputation through various programmes besides operational work and arrests.
“In essence, I am satisfied with the service as I have received very solid cooperation, especially from Comm Mancha and all levels of officers,” he said in his speech.
He urged all PDRM Sarawak personnel to maintain the reputation of the force while executing their responsibilities.
He expressed confidence in Comm Mancha’s abilities, affirming that he is well-equipped to lead and shoulder the role given his remarkable qualities.
