By Mustakim Ramli
SHAH ALAM, Aug 26 — A total of 191 domestic violence cases was reported in Selangor from January to May this year, says Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud.
The state executive councillor for women empowerment and family said that based on the cases referred for counselling, Petaling saw the highest figure with 69 cases.
She said this is followed by Hulu Langat with 38 cases, Gombak (28), Klang (16), Sepang (15), Kuala Langat (14), Kuala Selangor (6), Hulu Selangor (3) and Sabak Bernam (2).
“The jurisdiction under the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) is not the same as police and the Social Services Department (JKM) when it comes to handling domestic abuse cases.
“Jais only has the authority in terms of marriages and the rights of spouses and children,” she told the Selangor State Legislative Assembly today.
Dr Siti Mariah had answered on behalf of state executive councillor for Islamic religious affairs Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni on the increase of abuse and mental health cases in the state.
Meanwhile, the Seri Serdang state assemblyman said the Islamic Religious Affairs Committee had also mobilised the Jais Prihatin Islamic centre in each district.
She said the centre functions to coordinate free support and counselling services to the community.
“The role of the centre includes receiving calls related to mental and physical abuse cases and referring the cases to the authorities such as JKM and the police if necessary,” she added.
