MEN are also at risk of becoming victims of violence, but often do not report such cases, said Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
She said issues related to violence and abuse cases involving men are no exception and need to be given attention.
"The ministry is very concerned about the issue of violence against men even though it is underreported."
"Data on cases of violence against men was first released by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and also by the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
"There are differences (in figures) from the data released by both parties, but for us, men are also at risk of becoming victims of violence and deserve support," she said at the Dewan Negara, today.
She was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Nelson Wences Angang who wanted to know what steps were being taken to address the issue of physical and mental abuse against men, which was said to be increasingly evident.
Noraini said that for cases related to violence, it was not only focused on women but investigations were also carried out involving cases with men as victims.
He said that JKM was conducting investigations based on legal provisions under the Domestic Violence Act 1994.
"Under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), a domestic violence committee was also established in 2019.
"It aims to monitor and coordinate initiatives in domestic violence cases and we have the Women's Development Department together with the Domestic Violence Committee.
"Through it, we have advocacy and intervention, and there is also Talian Kasih 15999, this is not just for women and what is more important is that there needs to be solidarity and awareness about this issue," she said.
Meanwhile, Noraini also answered Nelson's original question regarding the government's plan to assist husbands who act as full-time housekeepers, following changing social dynamics and increasing women's participation in the world of work.
She said that the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) under the provisions of the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 has created the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme to provide protection for self-employed individuals.
She said that this scheme can also be participated in by husbands who act as full-time housekeepers who are also self-employed in an effort to generate family income.
"The coverage of the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme has been expanded to 20 sectors that are eligible for coverage, for example online businesses and information technology.
"Self-employed individuals including husbands who contribute under this scheme will receive coverage starting from the date and time the contribution is paid and certified through a contribution payment receipt," she said. – September 3, 2025
