Zero cases of domestic violence reported in S'wak during MCO so far, claims state minister

Sarawak Minister for Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah under home quarantine.

MIRI: There has not been a single case of domestic violence reported throughout Sarawak so far during the movement control order period - a sign that an enforced family "reunion" may actually be a good thing, claims Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.

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Speaking to The Star on Friday, the Sarawak Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development minister said that she is delighted with this "zero" domestic violence figure during this MCO.

She told The Star on Friday (April 17) that the MCO has forced families to stay home and added that this seems to be helping to cement relationships within the family.

"Sarawak normally has a high rate of domestic violence, with Miri ranked the highest followed by Kuching. In 2018, there were 486 reported cases of domestic violence in the state.

"The figures went up to 563 in 2019.

"In January 2020, there were 106 reported cases; 80 cases in February, 60 in March and zero cases so far until today.

"So the figures speak for themselves, that there is actually healing in family relationships between spouses, among siblings and between parents and children during this MCO period," she said via telephone.

Fatimah said surveys carried out by her ministry showed that substance abuse was the biggest contributor to violence in the family followed by financial woes and emotional and psychological issues.

She added that drug abuse, alcoholism, glue-sniffing and the like have caused a lot of violence between husband and wife, between siblings and between parents and children, and said that the

MCO seems to have forcefully reduced the rate of substance abuse.

Fatimah said that this in turn brings down the incidents of violence while at the same time compels family members to bear with each other to go through this harsh Covid-19 pandemic.

Fatimah said that as far as crimes in society are concerned, there seems to be also a marked decline during the past month while the MCO is in effect.

She also said that she is keeping herself updated on the latest situation even though she herself is under quarantine at home after she recently came into close contact with a Covid-19 patient in Kuching.