Getting angry at your wife for buying items online is a form of abuse, says minister

BEING scolded simply for ordering items online, being denied money to purchase clothing, or being forced to rely entirely on one’s partner to meet personal needs—these are all situations that can reflect economic abuse within a household.

A partner’s failure to provide funds for a family’s necessities, coupled with the control of the victim’s personal spending, also constitutes a form of abuse that occurs in daily life.

Domestic violence is not limited to physical and emotional abuse; it also encompasses economic control, which can undermine a victim’s well-being and self-confidence.

The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, stated that this form of abuse warrants attention, as it can manifest in everyday life, specifically when a partner fails to provide money for the family’s basic needs or exerts control over the victim’s personal expenditures.

“For instance, consider a husband who returns home expecting a meal prepared by his wife. If the wife is not employed and has no money of her own, and the husband fails to provide funds for household provisions, how is she expected to cook?

“Moreover, a wife might wish to purchase clothing but lacks the necessary funds; she is unable to shop like other women. And when she does order items through an online platform, she ends up being scolded by her husband.

“This is a common occurrence and has become a new challenge in life today,” she said.

She stated this while appearing as a guest on the ‘Ruang Bicara’ program, titled ‘A Prosperous Family: Preserving Affection, Empowering Care’ produced by Bernama TV.

Nancy explained that such financial control can strip victims of their ability to make decisions regarding their own needs, especially when they lack an income or access to money.

According to her, police statistics recorded 5,507 cases of domestic violence in 2023, which rose to 7,016 cases in 2024 and 7,391 cases in 2025; meanwhile, 5,278 cases have been recorded from January to August of this year.

“Domestic violence can manifest in various forms and situations, but the challenge arises when victims choose to remain silent instead of seeking help.

“Sometimes, even after filing a report, they retract it out of fear,” she said.

She noted that the ministry provides various forms of support to help victims escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives.

This assistance, she explained, includes counselling services, interventions, and financial aid, such as for attending court proceedings, if necessary.

She emphasised that efforts to address domestic violence are crucial for protecting children who witness abuse within the family, as such experiences can shape their perceptions of family relationships when they reach adulthood.

“We do not want this to affect children to the point where, as adults, they repeat the same behaviour, having come to view it as normal,” she said.

Nancy also urged the public not to dismiss domestic violence as a purely private matter; instead, she encouraged them to come forward and report such incidents or suspected cases by calling the ‘Talian Kasih’ hotline at 15999 or via WhatsApp at 019-261 5999. – October 28, 2026