KUCHING: The Malay community recorded the highest number of domestic violence in the state, according to figures released by the Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Ministry.
Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah – quoting figures obtained for 2021 – said of the 630 domestic violence cases reported, 265 cases involved the Malays which worked out to 42 per cent.
Next were the Ibans (167 cases, 27 per cent) and Chinese (67 cases, 11 per cent).
She said the 630 cases reported last year showed an increase over a period of four years since 2018. The number of cases reported in 2018 was 486.
“From the figure of 630 last year, 62 per cent (or 392 cases) of the victims were women and the remaining 38 per cent (or 238 cases) men.
Kuching recorded the highest percentage of 37 per cent or 235 cases) followed by Miri (29 per cent, 184 cases) and Samarahan (nine per cent, 59 cases).
Fatimah attributed the increase in domestic violence to “drug and substance abuse” which contributed to 83.2 per cent or 524 cases (2021) compared to 76.8 per cent or 589 cases back in 2018.
“Other causes apart from drug and substance abuse was temper issue (5.7 per cent or 36 cases), divorce (4.6 per cent, 29 cases), cheating scandal (2.2 per cent, 14 cases), jealousy and financial issues (1.4 per cent, nine cases), misunderstanding (1.1 per cent, seven cases), and gambling/other problem involving wealth (one case),” she said when officiating at the Domestic Violence Frontliners Training (DVFT) programme here, yesterday (July 20).
In the first half of 2022, there was a slight decrease in domestic violence with 292 cases compared to last year’s 369.
“We’ll see how it goes by the end of 2022,” she said.
Fatimah said domestic violence does not have to involve married couples as it could happen among family members such as mothers, grandmothers and sisters.
Meanwhile, she revealed that measures have been taken to prevent domestic violence in the state.
“We also ensure that victims gain temporary protection order, emergency protection order, access to temporary protection shelter or house and services, including being able to get enough financial aid or sources through the Sarawak Community Welfare Department,” she said.
