Denying spouse money may constitute domestic violence, says Nancy

Nancy Shukri, Malaysia's Women, Family and Community Development Minister, has cautioned that withholding funds for essential items can be categorized as domestic abuse. In her appearance on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme, Shukri emphasized that economic control extends beyond physical and emotional abuse, potentially impacting a victim's well-being and self-esteem.

She provided examples of such abuse, including when a partner fails to provide money for basic necessities or controls personal spending, leaving the victim without financial independence. Shukri recounted scenarios where a spouse might expect a meal to be prepared without access to funds or a woman wanting to purchase clothes but unable to afford them, resulting in scolding from her partner.

She highlighted this as a prevalent issue and a growing challenge in contemporary life. Shukri stated that police records indicate a rising trend in domestic violence cases, with figures increasing from 5,507 in 2023 to 7,391 in 2025, and 5,278 cases reported between January and August 2025 alone. Shukri noted that victims often remain silent and refrain from seeking assistance out of fear, and even after reporting, they may choose to withdraw the report.

The ministry offers various forms of support to assist victims in escaping abusive situations and rebuilding their lives, including counseling services, intervention strategies, and financial aid for court proceedings if necessary. Shukri stressed that addressing domestic violence is crucial to safeguard children who witness abuse at home, as such experiences can influence their future perceptions of family relationships.

In light of this, Shukri urged the public not to view domestic violence as a private matter but to report any known or suspected incidents by contacting Talian Kasih at 15999 or sending a WhatsApp message to 019-2615999.