By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 10: A total of 298 domestic violence cases were recorded in Sarawak as of June this year, making up more than half of the 552 cases recorded in 2025.
According to Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, domestic violence could no longer be regarded as a private family matter, but instead was a social issue requiring the involvement of all levels of society.
“Homes should be the safest place for every woman, child, senior citizen and family member, but some individuals continued to live in fear and choose to remain silent because they were afraid, ashamed or unaware of where to seek help,” she said.
She said this when officiating the Wonderful Life Programme: Department of Social Welfare Domestic Violence Awareness Programme 2026 at the SALCRA Bajo Training Centre Auditorium here on Sunday (Aug 9) as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Citing data from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), she said that 7,391 domestic violence cases were recorded nationwide in 2025, while 4,014 cases were reported up to June 2026.
“The figures highlighted the need to strengthen public awareness about domestic violence, including victims’ rights, avenues for assistance, and the role of those around them in helping victims obtain protection,” she said.
She said efforts to address domestic violence were not solely the responsibility of the government but required the involvement of the communities, including Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), and families to work together to break the cycle of domestic violence.
The approach also required strategic cooperation between the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), relevant agencies, and local communities to ensure victims could be assisted quickly, safely, and effectively. — DayakDaily
