New lifeline for women: Anwar unveils PRISMAnita to speed up help for domestic abuse victims

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 — The government today launched the Women’s Referral, Intervention, Support, Information and Advocacy (PRISMAnita) initiative to facilitate access to support services for women, particularly in addressing various family-related issues, including domestic violence.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said PRISMAnita serves to facilitate access to services that are more efficient, faster, better coordinated and victim-friendly, in addition to providing more comprehensive support for women.

He said the initiative not only involves providing services under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), but is also supported by related ministries and departments to ensure comprehensive coordination of assistance for women.

“In the framework of the Madani Government, we must ensure that it (PRISMAnita) does not operate in silos. KPWKM programmes, events and efforts must be fully supported by all relevant ministries and departments.

“The Chief Secretary to the Government will ensure, during coordination meetings, that the women’s agenda is highlighted. This (PRISMAnita) support is more comprehensive and encompasses counselling services, referrals and case coordination with various stakeholders,” he said.

He said this at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here today.

Also present were the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek; Minister of Women, Family, Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; and her assistant Lim Hui Ying.

Elaborating on PRISMAnita, Anwar said the initiative also provides an information platform and service-matching, in addition to offering support to women facing crisis situations to ensure they receive the right assistance without bureaucratic hassle.

Anwar said the advocacy hub under the initiative would also provide understanding on the implementation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840), the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521) and other related regulations. 

“So, services via guidance and counselling will continue. This PRISMAnita is established in all State Women Development Offices (PPWN) nationwide,” he said. — Bernama