LUNDU: Sarawak recorded 298 domestic violence cases in the first six months of this year, compared to 552 cases throughout 2025.
Minister for Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the figures showed that domestic violence remained a serious issue requiring collective action.
She said nationwide, 4,014 cases were reported as of June this year, compared to 7,391 cases recorded in 2025, based on Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) statistics.
She said the Wonderful Life Programme: Domestic Violence Awareness Programme 2026, organised by the Social Welfare Department (JKM), was aimed at strengthening public awareness and ensuring victims received timely and effective assistance.
“This initiative is implemented through education, knowledge-sharing and active community engagement so that more victims can be helped quickly, safely and effectively.
“We want to build a society that not only knows what needs to be done, but also has the courage to act when witnessing or becoming aware of domestic violence,” she said when officiating the programme at the SALCRA Bajo Training Centre here today (Aug 9).
She stressed that domestic violence could no longer be viewed as a private family matter, noting that some victims remained silent out of fear, shame or a lack of knowledge about available assistance.
“Domestic violence is a social issue that affects the well-being of society, children’s development and the future of the nation,” she said.
Nancy said the five-year Wonderful Life Programme would be implemented in 10 states with the highest number of domestic violence cases.
The phased programme, she added, would expand advocacy efforts among vulnerable groups while strengthening collaboration between the Government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), relevant agencies and local communities.
Meanwhile, she said JKM received RM200,000 this year to implement the programme, reflecting the Government’s commitment to strengthening protection for women and children.
The allocation was channelled by the Ministry of Finance through unspent or unclaimed funds under the 2025 SARA Appreciation Programme.
Nancy said the participation of about 300 people in the programme reflected growing public awareness and willingness to help address domestic violence.
When met by reporters on the increase in reported cases, she said it could be viewed from two perspectives — an actual rise in cases or greater awareness and courage among victims to come forward.
“Sometimes, when the number increases, we assume that cases are rising, but it may be due to greater awareness and courage among members of the public to come forward and make complaints.
“This is subjective because the increase in reported cases could also be attributed to community support, which encourages victims to come forward.
“Therefore, I view the increase from these two perspectives,” said Nancy.
