KUALA LUMPUR — A total of 5,278 domestic violence cases were reported nationwide as of August this year, according to statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) secretary-general Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff said Perlis recorded 40 cases during the period, a decline from 48 cases reported in the corresponding period last year, Bernama reported.
She described the reduction as a positive sign, while stressing that awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts and prevention measures must continue consistently.
“However, this figure cannot be seen statistically only. Behind every reported case, there was an individual and a family that needed protection, intervention and continued support.
“Our main goal is to build a society that is more sensitive, courageous to act and firm in rejecting any form of domestic violence,” she said during the launch of the Well-being Advocacy Programme for Women@Domestic Violence (Aku Wanita@KRT) and the state-level PRISMAnita Open Day 2026 here today.
Maziah said domestic violence in the digital era has also taken new forms, including the misuse of technology and the issuing of humiliating threats through various communication platforms.
She added that domestic violence was not limited to physical abuse, but also included economic exploitation, restrictions on movement and social interaction, emotional and psychological abuse, as well as sexual violence.
“Domestic violence can begin subtly through excessive control, intimidation, humiliation or financial restrictions – actions that are often dismissed as trivial at first.
“As such, we need to be alert to these early warning signs, have the courage to seek help and reject the notion that domestic violence is a private family matter that should be kept quiet,” she said.
Maziah said the Aku Wanita@KRT programme and PRISMAnita Open Day were part of the government’s efforts to implement the National Women’s Policy and Women’s Development Action Plan 2025-2030, particularly in strengthening the safety and well-being of women at the community level.
She said KPWKM, through the Women’s Development Department (JPW), organised the initiatives to help members of the public identify the signs and forms of domestic violence, access available support channels, and encourage victims to seek assistance and lodge reports to protect themselves and their families.
“As of Sept 13, a total of 12 Aku Wanita@KRT programmes have been carried out in 12 states, with the involvement of nearly 4,300 participants,” she added. – September 29, 2026