KUCHING – The Sarawak Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) is strengthening its cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to improve crime prevention and protection measures for women and children across the state.
Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said closer collaboration with the police would support efforts to address crimes and social issues affecting vulnerable groups, particularly domestic violence, child abuse and sexual exploitation.
She said tackling these cases required a coordinated approach involving law enforcement, public awareness, early identification of potential risks and timely social intervention, rather than relying solely on police action after offences had occurred.
The urgency of these efforts is reflected in crime figures recorded in Sarawak throughout 2025. According to PDRM statistics presented by Fatimah, the state recorded 535 domestic violence cases and 51 child abuse cases during the year.
The figures also included 151 rape cases, 31 incest cases and 29 molestation cases. In addition, four cases of baby dumping and 100 offences recorded under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act (SOACA) were reported.
The figures cover several categories of offences involving women and children, highlighting the range of challenges facing authorities and agencies responsible for public safety and victim protection.
Fatimah shared the statistics during a courtesy visit by Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Kumarasan Muniandy and his delegation in Kuching on Monday.
During the meeting, she stressed that effective responses to violence and abuse must extend beyond investigation and prosecution. Preventive measures, community education and early intervention were also important in identifying warning signs and reducing the risk of further harm.
She said stronger coordination between KPWK and PDRM would help address issues that often involve overlapping social and criminal concerns. Such cooperation is particularly relevant in cases where victims may require assistance beyond immediate police intervention.
Fatimah also highlighted the role of One-Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) services available at government hospitals in supporting victims of violence and abuse.
The centres provide an important mechanism for coordinating assistance to individuals affected by such incidents, allowing their cases to be addressed through an integrated approach. Access to appropriate support is an important part of victim protection, particularly for those who may face physical, emotional or psychological consequences following an incident.
Beyond the responsibilities of government agencies and enforcement authorities, Fatimah called for greater community participation in identifying and reporting suspicious or concerning incidents.
She emphasised that members of the public could play an important role in helping authorities identify potential cases of abuse and violence at an early stage. However, reports and interventions must be handled carefully, with due consideration given to the confidentiality, safety and dignity of victims.
The protection of personal information is particularly important in cases involving children and survivors of sexual offences, where inappropriate disclosure could expose victims to further distress or harm.
The engagement between KPWK and the police reflects the importance of maintaining cooperation between social development agencies and enforcement authorities in addressing crimes against vulnerable members of society.
Also present during the courtesy visit were Deputy Ministers for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Dr Mohammad Razi Sitam.
The discussions centred on strengthening preventive efforts and ensuring that women and children in Sarawak receive more comprehensive protection through closer institutional cooperation and community involvement. — Sarawak Daily
