KUCHING: Welfare, Commu-nity Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Minister, Datuk Fatimah Abdullah has urged all political parties to support the tabling of the Emergency Protection Order (EPO) which aims to protect domestic violence victims.
According to Fatimah, in order to provide immediate protection to the victims, the EPO is included in the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill 2017 and was tabled in the Parliament by Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim. It is awaiting its second and third reading.
“It is hoped that the amendment will be supported by all Members of Parliament regardless of their political backgrounds.
“The EPO will protect victims of domestic violence and prevent the perpetrators from committing more harm,” Fatimah told a press conference after a meeting with the Women and Family Council held at Hilton Hotel here yesterday.
She added the EPO could be issued by officers of the State Social Welfare Department (JKM) and was effective for a week.
“The EPO can also be obtained directly from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development or by contacting the 24-hour Nur Line,” she said.
Fatimah also disclosed that there was a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Guideline Book for handling domestic violence cases against women and children.
She pointed out that statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) showed an increase in domestic violence cases against women and children.
As of April 2017, 165 cases had been recorded compared to 427 cases for the whole of 2016 and 279 cases for the whole of 2015).
“Finally, we have come out with a book for this issue, and this is the result of the hard work from the relevant agencies and the non-government organisations (NGOs).
“This book will be distributed to the relevant agencies involved in the domestic violence issues throughout the state,” said Fatimah.
She explained that the objective of the book was to enhance collaboration between the relevant agencies and standardise the SOP in handling the issues.
“What we want to achieve through the guidelines are better inter-agency working relationships to handle the domestic violence issues so that the victims can get their assistance as soon as possible,” she said.
On another matter, Fatimah said that the State level Women’s Day celebrations on 26 August this year would see the launching of the “Women In Sports” Book to honour their achievements and contributions to the state through sports.
“The book will feature 45 women sports personalities who made Sarawak proud internationally,” she said.
There will also be presentation of awards to women who have contributed to the state through activities and organizations. These awards include the Datuk Patinggi Laila Taib Award, the Women Social Movement Award, Women Leadership Award, Women Organisation Award and the special awards in sports.
The “Women In Sports” Book is expected to be launched by the Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Also present at the press conference were Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development, Rosey Yunus and the State Women and Family Department Director, Noriah Ahmad.
