(Seventh from left) Lim flanked by Ong on her right and Penang Welfare Department director Rozita Ibrahim, with attendees at the launch of Penang Goes Orange 2025 (PGO 2025) campaign in Komtar. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
The rising number of domestic violence cases nationwide urgently calls for communities to break their silence and take collective action.
Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said domestic violence cases nationwide jumped to 7,116 in 2024, compared with 5,507 cases in 2023.
“In Penang alone, 915 cases were recorded in 2023.
“More worrying is that sexual harassment cases increased to 2,235 in 2024 from 1,752 the previous year,” she said during the launch of the Penang Goes Orange 2025 (PGO 2025) campaign at Komtar in George Town.
The campaign theme this year was chosen to challenge the culture of silence that allows abuse to continue.
She added that these figures reflected only reported cases, with the real numbers likely to be much higher due to fear, stigma and cultural barriers that often keep victims silent.
“Even worse, there are people who witness violence but do nothing,” she said, adding that the “bystander effect” was a culture that must stop.
Lim said the campaign’s theme this year “Break the Silence: Jangan Dok Diam!” was chosen to challenge the culture of silence that allowed abuse to continue.
“Every one of us is a bystander and every bystander has power.
“Don’t ever say ‘it’s not my business’, as the safety of women, children, neighbours and friends is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
She then urged the public to be active bystanders by reporting, intervening safely and supporting victims as part of a collective effort to break the cycle of violence.
Lim reminded the public that laws were already in place to protect those who speak up.
“The Child Act 2001 makes it mandatory to report child abuse, and the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 protects those who report in good faith.
“What we need now is courage,” she said.
The PGO 2025 campaign, now in its 12th year, will culminate with a pledge and orange lightstick lighting ceremony at Esplanade on Dec 13.
Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng said some 3,000 people were expected to turn up and light up orange lightsticks as a powerful symbol of hope and unity.
“Imagine the Esplanade transformed into a sea of orange as the light of courage, solida-rity, and a brighter future for Penang.
“PGO is more than just a campaign; it’s the voice of the people and our promise to children, families and communities that we will not stay silent in the face of violence,” she said.
“The event will feature exhibitions, interactive booths, creative performances including dance and choral speaking, an open speak-up session, as well as a food and beverage bazaar.
“Participants can also show their support by signing the online petition.”
Registration, at RM30 per person that includes a T-shirt, can be completed at www. howei.com
