Nancy Shukri seeks more funding to expand legal aid for women and single mothers

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is seeking extra funding to bolster legal aid for financially disadvantaged women and single mothers. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri emphasized the importance of this assistance for women who have obtained court orders to receive payments but are still unable to collect them from their ex-husbands.

In Malaysian Syariah law, "mut'ah" is a form of financial compensation that a husband may be ordered to pay to his former wife following a divorce. Nancy explained that some former wives seek legal rights but lack the financial means to hire lawyers for follow-up action. KPWKM, via the Women’s Development Department (JPW), collaborates with Syariah Courts, counselling divisions, and Sharia and civil lawyers to guide women on available legal actions.

Nancy highlighted that certain cases remain unresolved, underscoring the necessity of recording pertinent data for proper follow-up planning. She stressed that the legal aid is part of the government's commitment to ensuring women, single mothers, and children receive adequate protection and access to their rights. Nancy expressed hope for securing additional budget allocations to cater to the diverse needs of each case, which vary in terms of case management, travel to court, and legal fees.

She also mentioned the ministry's goal to strengthen women's economic empowerment through skills training to foster financial independence and income generation, while enhancing awareness of legal rights. Nancy made these remarks after inaugurating the 2026 Sabah-level Kasih Ibu Tunggal (KasihnITA) programme in Kota Kinabalu.