ALOR STAR: Women in Kedah have been told to come forward and report cases of gender-based and sexual violence — including those involving their spouses.
State Welfare, Women, Family, Community and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Halimaton Shaadiah Saad highlighted a worrying trend of victims withdrawing complaints or refusing to pursue charges despite experiencing abuse.
"Sometimes women feel ashamed, they become fearful, or they sympathise with the perpetrator. So when a case reaches court and the husband is already in the dock, they may pull back because they worry about who will care for the children or themselves. This is the challenge faced by many women in Kedah.
"We have government agencies and non-governmental organisations ready to help. If cases of incest or sexual violence occur, please do not remain silent. Report them to the authorities so we can assist in resolving these issues," she said during the launch of the Orange the World programme at Alor Star Tower yesterday.
Also present was Alor Star City Council (MBAS) mayor Datuk Abdul Gafar Yahya.
Participants later took part in a 3km brisk walk around the city centre, after which the Alor Star Tower was illuminated in orange to symbolise hope for a safer future, free from violence against women and girls.
alimaton said that Kedah had recorded an increase in reports of gender-based and sexual violence this year, reflecting a nationwide trend.
"National data paints an alarming picture. In 2024, authorities recorded 7,116 domestic violence cases nationwide, up from 5,507 in 2023. Between January and June 2025 alone, 3,768 domestic violence cases were reported, with 73 per cent of the victims (2,751 cases) being women.
"For rape cases, 1,899 reports were logged in 2024, an increase of 12.1 per cent from the previous year. Sexual harassment cases also rose, from 522 in 2023 to 788 in 2024."
She said that these figures only accounted for reported cases, meaning the actual number of victims is likely significantly higher. - NST
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