KUCHING, Oct. 17 -- A total of 5,278 domestic violence cases have been reported in Malaysia, with the number continuing to rise, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

She said the ministry was placing greater emphasis on counselling and women's empowerment to help women better understand their rights, build confidence and achieve financial independence.

"When women are financially independent, they can be more confident in standing up for themselves and are less likely to tolerate abuse," Nancy told reporters at the EmpowerUS 2026 seminar at the Sarawak State Library here today.

Commenting on the recent case in Negeri Sembilan involving a 35-year-old female customs officer who was allegedly murd...