Dr Siti Mariah flagging off participants in the Selangor Jingga Run 2022 at Dataran Klang@Padang Chetty in Klang’s Little India. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Selected women’s shelters in Selangor will be given financial grants to improve facilities and manage operation costs.
“Selangor government is concerned about families and women’s well-being,” said state public health, unity, women empowerment and family committee chairman Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud.
“We have allocated financial aid to women’s shelters operated by non-governmental organisations to improve their facilities, manage operating costs and strengthen advocacy programmes.”
She said that some women’s shelters were identified for the grants as the homes had been giving qualified advocacy and support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual harassment.
“We have engaged with these women’s shelters and they work relentlessly to offer encouragement, support and even legal aid to women who have suffered domestic violence or sexual harassment,” she added.
Dr Siti Mariah urged women who were suffering from domestic violence to step out of the abusive relationship and demand for their rights.
“Domestic violence is all about control and fear in a relationship, through violence and other forms of abuse.
“It can be mental, physical, social or financial abuse, and includes body shaming.
“But it is important for abused women to come out of such a relationship,” she stressed.
Dr Siti Mariah was speaking to the media after launching the Selangor Jingga Fun Run 2022 at Dataran Klang@Padang Chetty in Klang’s Little India.
The run was held in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Some 540 participants ran 5km through Klang’s Little India business enclave.
“I thank Klang Municipal Council (MPK) for organising the event and getting people of all races and ages to participate,” said Dr Siti Mariah.
MPK president Noraini Roslan said the event saw a good turnout of locals and people from neighbouring districts.
The run was held to increase awareness of violence against women and girls.
“Violence against women must not be tolerated and equality must be achieved to realise Sustainable Development Goals.
“But it will not materialise without ending domestic violence against women,” she added.
