Help report domestic abuse

Public called on to be eyes and ears to help authorities

More than 100 calls reporting domestic violence have been made to the authorities since the movement control order (MCO) was enforced, and the public can put a stop to this by being the authorities’ eyes and ears and report such incidents, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s Talian Kasih line had received 135 of such calls to date throughout the MCO.

“We urge the public to get involved in helping the authorities put a stop to domestic violence.

Maybe the victims are afraid to report or do not have any means or opportunity to alert the authorities.

“This is where the public, especially those who suspect that their neighbour is a victim of domestic abuse, can play their part,” he added.

He said lodging a report of such incidents would allow the police to assist the victim quickly and take action against the perpetrator.

Reports can be made through the Talian Kasih line 15999 or WhatsApp to the police at 019-261 5999.

On another matter, Ismail Sabri said businesses and sectors that were allowed to operate during phase three of the MCO must have their applications approved before they can open shop, adding that action would be taken against those who fail to show proof that the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) had given them the go-ahead to resume business.

“You must get the approval from Miti before you resume business. If you fail to show an approval letter to the authorities, action will be taken,” he added.

On the MCO, he said police observed that there were more vehicles on the road now, especially from the non-essential services which had started operations but could not produce proof that they had been granted permission to do so.

He, however, said critical services were allowed to operate even when the MCO was first enforced on March 18.

This includes the whole food chain services from producers to wholesalers, transporters, market operators and traders.

Last week, the government said that it would allow an additional list of businesses to operate during the MCO.

The list includes traditional and complementary medicine, hardware and electrical outlets, manned laundrettes, automotive, machinery and equipment and aerospace industries as well as construction projects.