Violence against women on the rise in Malaysia: report

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 26 — Domestic violence and rapes continue to rise despite government efforts to curb the vices, a local daily reported here on Thursday.

The Star quoted Malaysian Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Chew Mei Fun as saying that women still suffered from discrimination.

Living in poverty also disproportionately affected the vulnerable group, said Chew here after launching the report on " The Gender Trap — Women, Violence and Poverty".

According to The Star, Malaysian police's statistics showed that the number of reported domestic violence cases went up by 505 from 3,264 in 2006 to 3,769 in 2008.

As of June 2009, Chew said 1,820 domestic violence cases had been reported.

While the issue of poverty among women and violence against them had been on the international, regional and national agendas, Chew said the Malaysian government had also amended legislation to render protection to women.

She also said that the ministry would create awareness among the public and review laws and regulations that discriminated against women and hindered their empowerment. (PNA/Xinhua)

ALM/ebp

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