LANGKAWI – Despite ongoing government initiatives, violence against women in Malaysia remains alarmingly high, prompting Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri to urge collective action from all sectors and greater public vigilance.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Commemoration of Ending Violence Against Women (Evaw) at Dataran Lang, Langkawi, Nancy highlighted the latest data from the Domestic Violence Data Working Committee (up to June): Selangor, Perak, Johor, Kedah and Sabah recorded the highest number of cases.
“This is a reality we must acknowledge. Violence against women still occurs and requires joint action from all parties, not just KPWKM,” she said.
The Women’s Development Department (JPW) has conducted 101 advocacy programmes from January to October this year, reaching more than 74,397 participants, along with school awareness programmes involving almost 4,000 students.
Nancy stressed the importance of these initiatives in changing public perception of domestic violence and sexual harassment, while teaching young people how to protect themselves.
JPW also introduced the Domestic Violence Kit guide named Kit CeKaL, which stands for Emergency, Tidy and Run Kit.
“This kit is a bag prepared in advance by victims as a readiness tool to escape quickly when faced with dangerous or life-threatening situations,” she said.
Nancy cited worrying statistics illustrating the surge in domestic violence cases:
- 2022: 477 cases
- 2023: 522 cases
- 2024: Surged to 788 cases
- As of October 2025: 872 cases already recorded.
“One simple question, ‘Are you OK?’ can save a life. Women’s safety is everyone’s responsibility,” she added.
The Evaw event also saw the Eagle icon illuminated in orange light as a symbol of national solidarity and commitment to ending violence against women.
Nancy also launched the Zero Violence Tolerance Programme, aimed at preventing and raising awareness of sexual harassment in workplaces, educational institutions, and communities.
Additionally, she chaired the National Women and Family Council (MWKN) meeting, discussing strategies, policies and recommendations on women’s empowerment and family development to ensure that critical issues are addressed at higher levels.