Lawyer M Kula Segaran said Loh’s issue was nothing new, as many domestic violence cases were not investigated by police as “it was a family matter”.

Loh previously told FMT that she lodged numerous police reports between 2017 and 2019 on the injuries sustained allegedly at the hands of her now ex-husband M Nagahswaran during their marriage. Nagahswaran is reportedly serving time at a Kelantan prison over a drug-related conviction.

“Loh’s complaint is just the tip of the iceberg. Domestic abuse cases don’t get much attention.

“In view of this, the inspector-general of police (IGP) must take over the case and assure an independent and thorough investigation,” the Ipoh Barat MP told FMT.

“The IGP must understand that this is not an isolated case. Hundreds of women are suffering in silence as such cases are rampant.”

Kula said he will be bringing up the issue of unresolved domestic violence complaints to Parliament in urging for such cases to be treated seriously by the police.

Loh had earlier alleged that the abuse she got from her then-husband was so bad at times that she ended up in a hospital twice, including for a fractured wrist and foot in 2017 and a broken ankle joint two years later.

The 34-year-old said on one occasion, she was struck on the head and it caused a gash that required 27 stitches.

In the 2019 incident, Loh alleged she was kicked multiple times and hit with a piece of iron and a hammer.

FMT made several attempts to contact the Kuala Muda district police chief and the Kedah criminal investigation department since last week but have yet to get a response.