Police to Reopen Probe into Pastor Raymond Koh’s Disappearance Following Court Order

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 10: The police will reopen investigations into the mysterious disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, following a High Court ruling that directed authorities to continue the probe and account for his whereabouts.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the move on Monday, saying the ministry is complying with the court’s instructions issued earlier this month.

“The court has clearly instructed the police to do two things — to reopen or continue the investigation, and to present Pastor Koh to show proof of his existence and whereabouts,” Saifuddin told reporters after attending the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDAT) 2025 event in Putrajaya.

He said the decision was made after he received a full briefing from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on Friday (Nov 7).

Saifuddin stressed that the ministry and the police are treating the directive seriously, noting that failure to comply could result in financial penalties for the government.

“This matter now falls under police jurisdiction. Before making any decisions, I needed to understand the full context and facts of the case. It is now my responsibility to ensure that the court’s orders are implemented,” he said.

The Home Minister added that he could not comment on the government’s appeal against the High Court’s ruling, as that matter remains under the AGC’s purview.

“My focus is on the part that involves the police, as ordered by the court. I am working closely with the Inspector-General of Police to ensure compliance,” he added.

The High Court had earlier ordered the government to pay RM37 million in damages to Koh’s family and RM3.26 million to the family of missing activist Amri Che Mat after ruling that the authorities were responsible for their enforced disappearances.

Pastor Koh was abducted on Feb 13, 2017, in Petaling Jaya in a broad daylight incident captured on CCTV, showing a convoy of vehicles forcing his car to a stop before whisking him away. Amri, meanwhile, was last seen on Nov 24, 2016, in Perlis.

Both cases were previously investigated by a Suhakam inquiry and a special task force in 2019, which found strong evidence of “enforced disappearance” involving state agents.

The reopening of the case marks a significant development after years of stalled investigations and repeated calls from civil society and human rights groups for accountability.

Saifuddin said further updates will be provided once the police submit their progress report on the renewed investigation.