Putrajaya: The scope of services under the Legal Aid and Public Defence Act 2025 has been significantly expanded to encompass civil, syariah, and criminal matters, which now include labour disputes, consumer protection, and family matters. This development aims to extend legal support to a broader range of issues and individuals.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, emphasized that the expanded services are designed to prioritize vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. Additionally, the act extends legal representation to all children, irrespective of their citizenship status. This comprehensive approach to criminal legal aid ensures assistance from the point of arrest through to appeal, covering remand applications, bail hearings, and trial proceedings.

Azalina highlighted the clear benefits of these changes, noting that they provide fair representation for the people, particularly the vulnerable, without imposing the burden of high legal costs. This initiative aims to protect the rights of individuals and ensure equitable access to justice. In her announcement on Facebook today, she underscored the significance of these benefits for the community.

Earlier in the day, Azalina officially inaugurated the newly completed Office of the Public Defender at the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) building in Precinct 3. She praised the expansion as a crucial step by the MADANI Government towards making justice more inclusive and accessible, marking a real difference for every citizen.