Monitoring abusers, stronger sentences for repeat offenders urgently needed, says Wanita MCA

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri recently indicated a proposal to create new mechanisms to record repeat domestic abuse offenders. This initiative aims to strengthen protections for women, and Minister Shukri herself has acknowledged that this lack of comprehensive records presents a serious challenge in efforts to better safeguard them. Nevertheless, domestic violence must also take into account that victims also consist of husbands, children, parents and siblings. There is still more that we can do, and we must not let the absence of a formal system delay the protection that victims need.

As discussions of this new record mechanism continues, Wanita MCA would like to put forward several suggestions that the ministry might consider in the meantime. While establishing a more comprehensive system for recording abusers is important, it must go hand in hand with ensuring the safety of victims and with strict and immediate action against perpetrators the moment a crime is committed. We cannot afford to wait for a repeat offence before intervention takes place.

The government should consider amending existing laws to mandate follow-up monitoring of abusers, as well as imposing stronger sentences for repeat offenders who have already come under the attention of the authorities and are known to have a history of violence. Strengthened penalties, coupled with mandatory anger management and rehabilitation programmes, could deter future offences and send a clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.

Furthermore, the government must ensure that offenders are monitored beyond their period of sentencing, whether their punishment involves imprisonment, community service, or fines. There must be structured follow-up monitoring, and upon release, offenders should be required to report regularly to an assigned officer. At the same time, protection orders for victims should be issued or extended to prevent abusers from contacting or approaching them after their release.

Many victims fail to report incidents out of fear, or may withdraw their reports due to a lack of support or concerns for their safety. Strengthening current protection mechanisms and support systems would help build their confidence to come forward and ensure that more cases are properly documented.

Minister Nancy Shukri's proposal for a comprehensive recording system is commendable, but we must also act decisively within existing frameworks. The government should not wait for a new system to take shape before taking practical steps to improve current laws, policies, and enforcement mechanisms that can provide immediate support and protection.

With domestic violence cases rising from over 5,000 in 2023 to more than 7,000 in 2025, this issue must be treated with the utmost seriousness. Before we even speak of protecting victims, we must first hold perpetrators accountable.

Datuk Wong You Fong

Wanita MCA National Chairperson