Malaysia's minister warns that denying money can be a form of domestic abuse
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri said economic control, such as refusing money for basic needs, qualifies as domestic violence.
During a televised interview, Nancy Shukri highlighted that economic abuse—denying a partner money for clothing, meals or other essentials—falls under domestic violence. She gave examples such as a husband not providing funds for cooking when his wife has no income, or a wife being reprimanded for online shopping. Police statistics indicate an upward trend, with cases climbing from 5,507 in 2023 to 7,391 in 2025 and 5,278 reported between January and August this year.
The ministry provides services including counselling, legal-process assistance and financial support to victims. Shukri stressed the need to protect children who see such behaviour, warning it may normalize abuse. She called on citizens to report suspected cases through the 15999 Talian Kasih hotline or WhatsApp number 019-2615999.
Why it matters
Recognizing financial control as abuse expands protection for victims and encourages reporting of hidden domestic violence.
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