Criminal investigation department (CID) director Abdul Jalil Hassan warned of stern action against police personnel who turn away domestic violence victims.

He said in a statement that since the Domestic Violence Act 1994 came into force on June 1, 1996, Bukit Aman had issued several administrative instructions regarding the handling of domestic violence cases.

“This includes disciplinary action against police personnel who refuse to accept reports,” he added.

He urged victims whose reports were not accepted by police to come forward and assist in investigations.

The matter was raised by women, family and community development minister Rina Harun, who had advised victims of domestic abuse to get medical reports from hospitals immediately if the police refused to accept their complaints.

“Once a medical report is obtained from the hospital, the police cannot refuse to accept reports lodged by the victims,” she said recently.

Rina said she would also bring up the matter during engagement sessions with the home ministry.