Bill to amend Domestic Violence Act to fix marriage institutions - Rohani

The bill to amend the Domestic Violence (Amendment) 2017 will help heighten the security for victims and fix marriage institutions.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the bill will be implemented once it is passed.

Among the agencies involved are the Welfare Department, National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), the Royal Malaysia Police as well as the Court.

“This will expand the interpretation of Domestic Violence where a victim can obtain interim protection order (IPO) and protection order (PO) when the victim suffers from financial loss,” she said.

Rohani was speaking to reporters during a Press conference on the bill to amend Domestic Violence Act 1994 (2012 Amendment), here today.

Based on the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) statistic, starting from 2014 to December 2016, a total of 15,617 domestic violence cases had been reported.

She also said that a victim can obtain an Emergency Protection Order, the right of an exclusive shelter to the victim who seek protection.

The bill also will introduce Rehabilitation Programme under the Ministry aimed at creating awareness and educating as well as improve the IPO and PO in the victim status notification.

The Domestic Violence Act 1994 (521 Act) was introduced in Malaysia on June 1, 1996. The act was amended for the first time in 2012.