KUALA LUMPUR – The government today unveiled the Women’s Referral, Intervention, Support, Information and Advocacy (PRISMAnita) initiative to streamline access to support services for women, particularly in tackling family-related challenges, including domestic violence.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said PRISMAnita is designed to ensure services are more efficient, faster, better coordinated and victim-friendly, while offering comprehensive support to women.
“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.
Speaking at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Anwar explained that PRISMAnita involves not only the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) but is also backed by relevant ministries and departments to ensure seamless coordination of assistance.
Elaborating further, Anwar said the initiative provides an information platform and service-matching for women in crisis, ensuring they receive the appropriate help without bureaucratic delays.
He added that the advocacy hub under PRISMAnita would also educate women on the implementation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840), the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521) and related regulations.
“So, services via guidance and counselling will continue. This PRISMAnita is established in all State Women Development Offices (PPWN) nationwide,” he said.
Anwar also announced a tax exemption incentive for corporate bodies under the Housewives Social Security Scheme (Lindung Kasih), part of the National Women’s Policy 2025–2030.
“I am extending this to the Housewives Social Security Scheme, which was introduced in 2022 under the management of Perkeso, with a contribution of RM120 per year. This scheme provides various benefits, including medical coverage for those who become disabled, facilitates rehabilitation and offers many related facilities,” said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister.
This year’s International Women’s Day celebration carried the theme ‘Empowering Women, Strengthening the Nation’. Anwar emphasised that efforts to empower women must also focus on reinforcing the family institution, a key foundation for nation-building.
“While we reach for the sky, we must also always stay rooted to the ground. Staying rooted to the ground means upholding faith, values, culture and traditions, and shaping all of these through the family institution,” he said.
During the event, Anwar presented several awards, including the Women Icon Award to Datuk Rugayah Abdul Majid. The Women-Friendly Company Award was given to Technocom Systems Sdn Bhd (Venture Group), while the Women Community Empowerment NGO Award went to Women of Will, received by its president, Datin Goh Suet Lan. – March 10, 2026