KUALA LUMPUR: Women facing domestic crises will now have faster, streamlined access to assistance following the launch of a new one-stop centre, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the new centre, known as PRISMAnita, will serve as an intermediary for referral, intervention, support, information and advocacy for women.
Anwar said PRISMAnita aims to provide faster, coordinated and victim-friendly access to assistance, particularly in dealing with family issues and domestic violence.
"There will be a more comprehensive support, covering advisory services, referrals and the coordination of case together with various stakeholders.
"Its focus includes an information platform and service matching and support when a victim faces a crisis," he said during a speech on Tuesday (March 10).
Anwar was speaking at the International Women's Day 2026 celebration at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec).
PRISMAnita is spearheaded by the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry through the Women's Development Department.
Anwar also said the advocacy hub will spread awareness and implement the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022, the Domestic Violence Act 1994 and other related legislations.
"Existing services through guidance and counselling will continue. PRISMAnita will be set up in all Women Development Departments across the country," he added.
For the Lindung Kasih scheme, Anwar said corporate bodies sponsoring contributions for eligible women will now enjoy tax exemptions.
The National Welfare Foundation (YKN) will act as an intermediary for sponsors, making them eligible for tax deductions under the Income Tax Act 1967.
The Lindung Kasih scheme, introduced under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) in 2022, provides social security protection for housewives.
Among those present were the Prime Minister's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Nancy said PRISMAnita will operate through state offices to ensure women seeking help do not face bureaucratic barriers.
She added that women currently make up 39.4% of top public sector management positions, exceeding the national target of 30%.
In the private sector, Nancy said women hold 34.6% of board positions in the top 100 public-listed companies.
