Malaysia allocates RM1 million to boost support for women fleeing abusive homes

Facing a rise in domestic-violence cases, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry said it will channel roughly RM1 million this year toward women who need to escape abusive partners, especially those with children. Nancy Shukri explained that the funding will support cash grants, short-term shelter arranged with NGOs and stronger referral networks linking survivors to relevant agencies. Programs like PRISMAnita will offer screening and psychosocial support, while Matahari, Iris and Skuad Waja focus on resilience, legal awareness and community-based assistance.

The ministry urged men to join prevention efforts and warned that official case figures likely understate the true scale of abuse. A 24-hour hotline (15999) and a WhatsApp service (019-261 5999) remain available, and the Road to EVAW campaign will run through International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov 25.