Laws in Malaysia
Laws Related to Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Act 1994
In 1994, the Malaysian government finally recognised domestic violence as a serious public issue and enacted the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (DVA). Under the DVA, domestic violence victims can seek protection against further abuse by the perpetrator.
The DVA applies to immediate family members including spouses, ex-spouses, de facto spouses, children (including adopted children), adults with mental or physical disabilities, and other persons considered part of the family. Importantly, the DVA applies to everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims, citizens or non-citizens.
Penal Code
The DVA is read together with the Penal Code. There is a range of Penal Code offences under which domestic violence perpetrators could be charged, including those in the following list:
| Sections | Offence | Punishment |
| 321 & 323 | Voluntarily causing hurt | Max. 1 year imprisonment / RM2,000 fine or both |
| 324 | Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means | Max. 10 years imprisonment / Fine / Whipping / Any two of the above |
| 322 & 325 | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt | Max. 7 years imprisonment / Fine |
| 326 | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means | Max. 20 years imprisonment / Fine / Whipping |
| 326A | Causing hurt to spouse, former spouse, child or other family members | Twice the maximum term of imprisonment |
| 507A | Stalking | Max. 3 years imprisonment / Fine / Both |
Significantly, under Section 326A of the Penal Code, causing hurt to one’s own family members can incur twice the maximum term of imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness of domestic violence.
In 2023, the Penal Code was amended to include stalking as a crime. Stalking covers repeated acts of harassment (at least two occasions) which cause distress, fear or alarm of the person’s safety, and includes following, communicating with, loitering near, or sending anything to a person.
Check out books, posters & pamphlets and videos on Domestic Violence.