KUCHING: Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, has assured that all victims of abuse cases, whether women, children, or the elderly, deserve protection and justice.
She stressed that every case of abuse involving women, children, or the elderly must be reported to the authorities to ensure that the perpetrator faces appropriate action.
“Victims who choose silence over justice risk enabling abusers to continue their acts. If left unchecked, it can happen again. We do not want to wait until a life is lost before taking action.
“A report must be made so that the perpetrator can be brought to justice,” she said when met with reporters during the Sejambak Kasih Deepavali 2025 event at Indian Association Kuching (IAK) Multipurpose Hall here on Wednesday.
Fatimah added that there were still cases where reports of abuse had been made but later withdrawn for various reasons, making it difficult for legal action to be taken.
“Some victims make a report, and then withdraw it out of pity or after changing their mind. But if this issue is left unaddressed, the abuse may recur,” she said.
She stressed that filing a police report and undergoing a medical examination are crucial to ensure smooth investigation and prosecution.
“Once a report is made, the victim must be brought to the hospital for a medical examination to obtain evidence that can be used in court.
Fatimah asserted that the state government also provides temporary shelters at undisclosed locations to ensure the safety of victims throughout the investigation and court process.
In addition, she added that the court may issue restraining orders against perpetrators to prevent them from approaching victims within a certain distance.
“This order ensures that victims are fully protected. The law is there to safeguard them, but reports must be made first,” she pointed out.
Meanwhile, she also urges the public to come forward and share information if they are aware of any abuse cases, regardless of who the victim or perpetrator is.
