Giving evidence in Johor Bahru: where do I report and what happens on the day?

If you have been asked to give evidence in Johor Bahru, the practical questions can feel as worrying as the legal ones: which building, where to park, how long you will wait. This guide covers the logistics for witnesses. For which court hears which kind of case, see our article on Johor Bahru courts.

Which court building do I go to?

Start with the document you received: a subpoena in a civil case or a summons to witness in a criminal case. It should state the court, the case number and the date. The official Johor State Courts portal lists the Johor Bahru Sessions and Magistrates' Courts complex at Jalan Ayer Molek, Johor Bahru.

Do not assume every case is in the same building. High Court matters and some specialised courts may sit elsewhere. If the document is unclear, ask the lawyer or the prosecuting officer who called you to confirm the building and courtroom a few days before.

How do I find my courtroom?

• Cause list. Courts publish a cause list (daily list of cases). The Johor courts portal has a public cause list section, and lists are usually displayed at the court building.
• Case number. Keep the full case number handy; courtroom staff and the information counter can use it.
• The lawyer who called you. In most cases, the lawyer or prosecutor will tell you where to wait and will collect you when you are needed.

What should I bring?

• Your identity card or passport. Singapore residents should bring their passport.
• The subpoena or summons.
• Reading glasses, any medication, water and something to read while you wait.
• Your own documents only if the lawyer asked you to bring them. Do not bring new documents into the witness box without telling the lawyer first.

Dress neatly and conservatively. Avoid shorts, slippers and sleeveless tops.

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What happens when I arrive?

1. Security. Expect a security check at the entrance. Sharp objects and some items may not be allowed.
2. Report. Find the lawyer or prosecutor who called you, or report to the court officer outside the courtroom.
3. Wait. Witnesses often wait outside the courtroom until called, so that they do not hear other witnesses' evidence. Be patient: several cases may be listed in the same courtroom, and mentions are often dealt with first.
4. Your turn. When called, you go into the witness box, take the oath or affirmation in your religion or affirm, and give your evidence.

Giving evidence normally follows the order in the Evidence Act 1950: examination-in-chief, cross-examination, then re-examination. In civil cases your evidence-in-chief may be a witness statement you confirm on oath.

Can I ask for an interpreter?

Yes. Proceedings are generally in Bahasa Malaysia, with English permitted in some circumstances. If you are more comfortable in Mandarin, a Chinese dialect, Tamil or another language, tell the lawyer in advance so that an interpreter can be arranged. Your evidence must be accurate, so do not struggle in a language you are not confident in.

Travelling from Singapore: what should I plan for?

Many witnesses in Johor Bahru cases commute from Singapore. Causeway and Second Link traffic can be unpredictable, especially on weekday mornings. Leave very early, keep the lawyer's phone number with you, and call if you are delayed. Missing a court date without good reason can have consequences for a witness under a subpoena or summons. See also our article on witnesses who live in Singapore.

Common mistakes

• Going to the wrong building because you did not check the subpoena.
• Arriving late after underestimating traffic or parking.
• Talking about your evidence with other witnesses in the waiting area.
• Using your phone in the courtroom, or recording anything. Switch it off or to silent.
• Leaving before you are released. Ask the lawyer or the court before you go, even at lunchtime.

When to speak to a lawyer

The lawyer who called you represents their client, not you, but they can help with practical arrangements. Speak to your own lawyer if you are worried your evidence could expose you to liability, or if you cannot attend on the date. Chris & Partners, led by Dr Chee Hui Bing, has an office in Johor Bahru and handles litigation in the Johor courts. Contact us; every case depends on its facts.

Frequently asked questions

How long will I have to wait?

It varies. You may wait several hours, and sometimes the case is adjourned. Plan to be available for the whole day.

Can I bring someone with me?

A family member can usually accompany you to the court building and sit in the public gallery in open court, but they should not discuss your evidence with you.

What if I cannot attend on the date?

Tell the lawyer who called you immediately, with reasons. Only the court can excuse a witness who has been subpoenaed or summoned.

Will I be paid for attending?

In civil cases, conduct money is usually given with a subpoena. Ask the lawyer about expenses.

Is there parking at the court?

Arrangements change, so check before you go and allow extra time. Using e-hailing or public transport can avoid parking problems.

Sources & fact check

Legal points in this article were checked against the primary sources below. The law can change; this is general information, not legal advice.

1. Johor State Courts official portal (Office of the Chief Registrar, Federal Court of Malaysia)
2. Evidence Act 1950 (Act 56), Part III Chapter X: examination of witnesses (ss.137-166), AGC Laws of Malaysia
3. Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593), Attorney General's Chambers Laws of Malaysia
4. Rules of Court 2012 (P.U.(A) 205/2012), text published by the Malaysian Bar, including Orders 12, 13, 18, 19 and 93
5. Penal Code (Act 574), Attorney General's Chambers Laws of Malaysia

Fact-checked on 17 Oct 2026