Malaysian mother’s death in Australia stirs calls to end domestic abuse stigma

Any sign of domestic violence must never be dismissed, with families, friends and neighbours urged to step in and help without judging victims, Malaysia’s Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying said on Thursday.Lim said support should be given carefully, prioritising the victim’s safety, as this could be crucial in helping someone seek protection.She said domestic violence was not a private matter that should be hidden or endured alone.“It is a serious form of violence and cannot be normalised under any circumstances,” she said in a statement on Thursday.Lim was commenting on the death of Penang-born Tan Kah Ming, 28, in Perth, Australia, in an alleged case of family and domestic violence.Australian media reported that paramedics found Tan unresponsive at a house in Taree Street in St James, in Perth’s southeastern suburbs on August 26.She was taken to Royal Perth Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.Lim urged those facing domestic violence to seek immediate help from someone they trust or through appropriate support services.She said Malaysia’s Talian Kasih 15999 and its WhatsApp service at 019-261 5999 operated around the clock to provide advice, support and referrals.Malaysia’s Domestic Violence Act 1994 provides a framework to protect victims, including through protection orders and temporary placement in safe shelters, she said.Lim said preventing domestic violence and protecting victims requires cooperation among government agencies, enforcement authorities, non-governmental organisations, communities and families.She said the women, family and community development ministry will continue strengthening prevention measures and support for victims and affected families.In Perth, Western Australian police charged Younis Qambari, 38, with murder.Further ReadingPolice alleged that Qambari assaulted Tan in the days before her death, causing extensive injuries that resulted in her death.Australian broadcaster ABC reported that police alleged the killing occurred in the context of a family and domestic relationship.Qambari appeared before the Perth Magistrate’s Court on August 28 and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear before the Stirling Gardens Magistrate’s Court this month.Tan, who was from Butterworth, reportedly had three children aged three, five and seven.This story was first published by The Star