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KOTA KINABALU: Rising domestic violence cases in Sabah are a cause of concern for the state government.
Sabah Community Development and People’s Well-being Minister Datuk James Ratib said 435 cases were recorded last year compared to 382 cases in 2022.
Ratib said in January and February this year alone, 107 cases were reported to police.
“This rise is worrying for me as a minister,” he said at an awareness event on violence against women here on Monday (Oct 21).
“I urge all relevant parties, especially the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (Jhewa), to implement more awareness programmes on violence against women and children.
“This is because there are dire implications or effects of violence on the victims from a physical and mental aspect,” he added.
The event was organised by Jhewa in conjunction with Anti-Violence Against Women Day 2024.
According to Ratib, his ministry has initiated an awareness programme through the Santuni Wanita outreach initiative coordinated by Jhewa to deal with the issue.
He said this programme was designed as a high-impact plan on human capital development and people’s well-being, in line with his ministry’s direction under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan.
“So far this year, Santuni Wanita outreach has been held in 55 state constituencies, involving over 4,900 participants.
“The programme also provides a panel of 16 lawyers as well as six counsellors for victims or participants to seek protection and support services,” he said.
Ratib said communities had a collective responsibility to curb domestic violence, and a united effort would help create a safe environment.
It would also increase participation, particularly by women, in the economy and leadership roles, he added.
