Teenage pregnancies in Sarawak decline nearly 48%

WOMEN accounted for 71.4 per cent of domestic violence victims in Sarawak in 2025, with 382 cases involving women out of 535 cases recorded statewide.

Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the overall number of domestic violence cases declined from 552 in 2024 to 535 in 2025.

“However, cases involving women increased from 371, or 67.2 per cent, in 2024 to 382, or 71.4 per cent, last year, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address domestic violence,” she said during her ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (Oct 20).

She said her ministry has stepped up awareness and intervention programmes to help the public recognise abuse, understand victims’ rights and access appropriate assistance and protection.

Among the initiatives is the Wacana Bestari “Cinta Bukan Penderaan” programme under the Integrated Sarawak Social Intervention Programme (ISSIP) Focus 2026, held in Sibu on Sept 21 and Kuching on Sept 30, involving 370 participants.

Fatimah said the ministry also organised the Know Your Rights course in Samarahan on Aug 20, with another session scheduled in Bintulu on Nov 17.

In addition, four online Pocket Talks sessions are scheduled throughout October to further raise public awareness of domestic violence.

She said the programmes focused on identifying different forms of abuse, understanding victims’ rights, taking early action, preserving evidence and knowing the channels available for assistance and protection.

Fatimah said victim protection is also supported by One Stop Crisis Centres (OSCCs) at 21 hospitals throughout Sarawak.

The centres provide integrated services through cooperation between the Sarawak Health Department (JKNS), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) and relevant non-governmental organisations.

According to JKNS statistics, the OSCCs handled 2,210 cases from 2018 to 2026, providing medical treatment, psychosocial support and referrals to relevant agencies.

Fatimah said these services are important in ensuring victims received appropriate care and support, while continued public awareness efforts remained essential to addressing domestic violence in the state.