KUCHING: Collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will be further strengthened to enhance crime prevention efforts and ensure more comprehensive protection for women and children in the state.

Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said that this initiative aims to address various social issues closely linked to safety and crime, including domestic violence, abuse and sexual exploitation of children.

“According to PDRM statistics, Sarawak recorded 535 cases of domestic violence, 51 cases of child abuse, 151 cases of rape, 31 cases of incest, 29 cases of molestation, four cases of baby dumping and 100 cases under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act (SOACA) throughout 2025,” she said.

She made these remarks while receiving a courtesy call from the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters, Kumarasan Muniandy, and his delegation here on Monday.

Dato Sri Fatimah emphasised that efforts to address these issues should not be limited to enforcement actions taken after a crime has occurred but instead must be supported by preventive approaches, public education, early detection and social intervention.

Regarding the protection of victims, she noted that the One-Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) services at government hospitals serve as a vital mechanism for ensuring an integrated approach to handling cases of violence and abuse.

She also emphasised the importance of community involvement in providing information and reporting any incidents that cause concern, while ensuring that confidentiality, safety and the dignity of the victims are safeguarded.

Also present were Deputy Ministers for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Dr. Mohammad Razi Sitam. -UKASnews