Malaysian mother’s death in Australia stirs calls to end domestic abuse stigma

Any sign of domestic violence must never be dismissed, with families, friends and neighbours urged to step in and help without judging victims, Malaysia’s Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying said on Thursday.

Lim said support should be given carefully, prioritising the victim’s safety, as this could be crucial in helping someone seek protection.

She said domestic violence was not a private matter that should be hidden or endured alone.

“It is a serious form of violence and cannot be normalised under any circumstances,” she said in a statement on Thursday.

Lim was commenting on the death of Penang-born Tan Kah Ming, 28, in Perth, Australia, in an alleged case of family and domestic violence.

Australian media reported that paramedics found Tan unresponsive at a house in Taree Street in St James, in Perth’s southeastern suburbs on August 26.

She was taken to Royal Perth Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.