WANITA MCA strongly condemns the brutal actions of a man who allegedly beat his wife so severely that she suffered a miscarriage in Sungai Petani, Kedah, last week.
This case must be treated with the utmost seriousness.
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What makes this even more alarming is that the suspect is reported to have a history of domestic violence and a criminal record, predominantly involving violence against previous wives and girlfriends.
According to media reports, he is said to have been married nine times, has 11 children, and deliberately targets partners with stable employment, particularly civil servants.
This case reflects serious gaps in our existing protection systems, which have proven unable to prevent repeat offenders from continuing to target and abuse women.
Domestic violence must not be treated as a “family matter”. It is a serious crime that can and does cost lives. We cannot stand by while women live in fear, while perpetrators remain free to inflict harm on new victims.
It is also worth noting that in 2021, this same suspect was charged with assaulting his then-pregnant wife, causing severe injuries, including a brain haemorrhage that required part of her skull to be surgically removed. She also sustained fractures to her jaw, spine and ribs.
Therefore, Wanita MCA calls on the government to consider the following measures:
- Establish a domestic violence offender registry and early warning system: The government should introduce a stricter monitoring mechanism for individuals with domestic violence records to prevent reoffending.
This database should be linked to relevant agencies, including the police and Malaysia’s religious departments.
- Impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders: Individuals with a history of domestic violence must face significantly heavier penalties given their clear risk of reoffending. Custo-dial sentences should not be deferred or delayed. This case must serve as a turning point.
- Fast-track protection orders for victims: Too many victims are left without timely protection due to slow and complex procedures. These processes must be streamlined so that protection can be put in place as soon as a report is made.
- Expand support services for victims: The government must strengthen assistance for victims, including providing shelters, legal aid, counselling, financial support, and responsive emergency helplines.
Women must know where to turn and feel safe enough to leave abusive situations without fear of being left without support.
Furthermore, we encourage those in need of help and advice to seek assistance from Wanita MCA’s Legal Advisory and Women’s Aid Centre (Lawa). Lawa provides one-stop legal aid, legal advice, and free counselling to abused women, particularly in domestic violence, civil and family cases.
We also urge women not to ignore early warning signs of abuse. When left unaddressed, abuse can escalate and become more dangerous, and recognising these signs early can be life-saving.
At the same time, society must stop blaming victims, as individuals in abusive relationships often face immense emotional pressure, fear, and psychological manipulation that makes leaving extremely difficult.
What they need is genuine support to rebuild their lives, not judgment. Malaysia must have a system that protects victims of domestic violence before tragedy occurs, not only after.
We urge that a full and thorough investigation be carried out, and that this perpetrator face the full force of the law. The safety of women must always come first.
Chan Quin Er
Secretary-general, Wanita MCA
The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: Forum@dailyexpress.com.my
