5,278 domestic violence cases reported from Jan-Aug 2026

KUCHING : A total of 5,278 domestic violence cases were reported from January to August this year, with the number continuing to rise.

In stating this, Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry is also focusing on counselling and empowering women to understand their legal rights and achieve financial independence.

“We encourage more counselling and women’s empowerment, particularly in helping women understand the law and know their rights.

“We are also focusing on helping women become economically and financially independent.

“This will give them greater confidence in themselves, so they will not easily allow others to abuse them, especially when they are financially independent,” she told reporters when responding to a question on support for families affected by domestic violence, following a report of a female Customs officer who was allegedly killed by her husband in a quarters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Nancy added that the ministry would look into ways to assist the victim’s family, particularly the children, while allowing them time to grieve.

“Normally, when people face this kind of situation, they do not want to speak to anyone else. They just want to grieve for a while, so we should leave them in peace for the time being,” she added.

However, she said that the ministry remained ready to look into the family’s needs and determine how it could provide assistance.

On ‘Talian Kasih’, she said public awareness of the helpline was increasing, with children also learning how to seek assistance through the service.

The total number of calls received by Talian Kasih reached 104,704 as of October 2026, compared with 98,050 in 2025.

“The number increases every day. I think this is because people are becoming more aware of ‘Talian Kasih’ and how to use the service.

“Even children know what to do. It is not just for adults: children are also aware of it. The service is not only for cases of abuse but also for those facing family problems and other difficulties who need help,” she said.