How to Get a Protection Order in Malaysia

What is a protection order?

A protection order is a court order that forbids a person from committing domestic violence against you. It comes from the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521).

There are two types. An Interim Protection Order (IPO) gives immediate, short-term protection. A Protection Order (PO) gives longer protection after a full court hearing.

If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999 or Talian Kasih on 15999. You do not need a court order to get help.

Who can apply?

Anyone who is or was in a domestic relationship and is a victim of domestic violence. This includes spouses, former spouses and family members in the same household.

Domestic violence under the Act is wide. It covers physical and sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, damage to property, and threats of any of these.

Your marriage does not have to be registered. The Domestic Violence Act 1994 also covers a “de facto spouse”, meaning someone who went through a ceremony recognised as a marriage by their religion or custom, even if it was never registered.

It also covers children, parents and other family members. Ordinary living together without any such ceremony is generally not covered, so a lawyer can advise on other options. If you are in danger now, call 999.

How do you get an interim protection order (IPO)?

1. Make a police report at the nearest police station. You can bring a trusted friend, family member or support worker.
2. The police or a social welfare officer from JKM (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) applies for the IPO for you.
3. A Magistrate can issue the IPO the same day, without the abuser being present.
4. The IPO takes effect once it is served on the abuser and lasts until the hearing for the full order.

If you do not feel able to go to a police station, contact the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03-3000 8858 or Talian Kasih at 15999. They can guide you and go with you if needed.

How do you get a full protection order (PO)?

After the IPO, the court fixes a hearing for the full order. Both sides can be heard.

You will need evidence of the violence, such as:

• The police report.
• Medical reports and photos of injuries.
• Messages or recordings showing threats.
• Witness statements.

The court looks at how serious the violence is, the risk of future harm and the need to protect you and any children. If satisfied, it makes a protection order, typically lasting 12 months or longer.

Your lawyer can represent you at the hearing. If you do not have one, WAO or the Legal Aid Department (Jabatan Bantuan Guaman) can help.

What can the order include?

The court can shape the order to your needs. It can forbid the abuser from using violence against you, threatening or intimidating you, and contacting you directly or through others.

It can keep the abuser out of the shared home, or away from your home, workplace or your children’s school. It can also require the abuser to let you collect your belongings from the shared home.

If you have children, the court can set conditions on visits to keep the children safe during any contact.

What if the order is broken?

Breaking a protection order is a crime under Section 8 of the Domestic Violence Act 1994. The penalty is a fine of up to RM 2,000, up to six months in prison, or both. The same section covers an interim protection order.

If the abuser breaks the order by using violence on you, the penalty is higher: a fine of up to RM 4,000, up to one year in prison, or both. For a second or later breach involving violence, the penalty is imprisonment of at least 72 hours and up to two years, plus a possible fine of up to RM 5,000.

If the abuser breaks the order, call the police at once. You do not need to contact your lawyer first.

Report every breach, even small ones. A pattern of breaches supports stronger action by the court.

How does a protection order relate to divorce?

A protection order and a divorce petition are separate cases. You can have one without the other.

If you file for divorce, the protection order stays in force. The divorce court can also make its own orders on the family home, custody and visits.

Many survivors get a protection order first, so they are safe and settled before starting the divorce.

Where to get help

You are not alone. These services support domestic violence survivors in Malaysia:

Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO): 03-3000 8858 (hotline), SMS/WhatsApp 018-988 8058. Counselling, shelter and legal advice.

Talian Kasih: 15999 (24-hour hotline), run by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. Crisis support, referrals and information on services.

Police: 999 (emergency). Make a police report for immediate protection and to start the IPO process.

Legal Aid Department (Jabatan Bantuan Guaman): Free legal representation for those who qualify. Contact your nearest office or call 03-8885 1000.

Looking to engage a divorce lawyer? Once you are safe, if you have questions about a protection order or how it affects your divorce, request independent lawyer contact via WhatsApp: Request Lawyer Contact. For general information, use our guides and tools.