How do I get a protection order against domestic violence in Malaysia?

Domestic violence can be physical, sexual or psychological, and it often escalates. Malaysian law provides several layers of protection orders. This guide explains them in the order you are likely to need them. Safety comes first: if you are in danger now, call 999 or go to the nearest police station.

What counts as domestic violence?

The Domestic Violence Act 1994 (DVA) defines domestic violence broadly. It includes causing or attempting to cause physical injury, placing a person in fear of injury, compelling them by force or threat to do something, confining them against their will, causing psychological abuse, and other forms set out in the Act. It covers spouses and former spouses, children, incapacitated adults and other family members.

The three types of protection order

Order	Who issues it	When	How long
Emergency Protection Order (EPO)	An authorised social welfare officer	Any time, even without a police report	7 days from issue
Interim Protection Order (IPO)	The court	While police are investigating	Until investigations end, or as the Act provides
Protection Order (PO)	The court	Once criminal proceedings are started	As ordered by the court under the Act

An EPO can prohibit the person from using domestic violence against you, from inciting others to do so, and from entering your safe place, shelter or residence.

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Step by step

1. Get safe. Call 999 in an emergency. Go to a hospital emergency department if injured, and ask for injuries to be recorded.
2. Ask for an EPO. Go to the nearest Social Welfare Department (JKM) office, or call Talian Kasih 15999 (24 hours; WhatsApp 019-261 5999). Bring your identity card and, if relevant, your children's birth certificates.
3. Lodge a police report describing what happened. This starts the investigation and allows an IPO application.
4. Apply for an IPO. A social welfare officer can help and accompany you to court.
5. Apply for a PO once you are informed that criminal proceedings will be instituted. Under the Act, an IPO generally ceases if no PO application is made within a set period after you are told that criminal proceedings will begin, so act promptly.

What to prepare

• Photographs of injuries and damage, with dates.
• Medical reports and police report numbers.
• Threatening messages, call logs and voice notes.
• Names of witnesses, such as neighbours or relatives.
• A safe copy of key documents (identity cards, birth certificates, bank details) kept somewhere other than home.

What if the order is breached?

Breaching a protection order is an offence under the DVA. Call the police immediately and give them a copy of the order. Keep records of every breach.

Common mistakes: waiting until the next incident to seek an EPO, returning home without a safety plan, deleting threatening messages, and missing the time to apply for a PO after being told that charges will be brought.

When to speak to a lawyer

A lawyer can help with protection order applications, related divorce and custody matters, and any civil claim. You can contact us; every case depends on its facts. If you are in danger, contact the police or Talian Kasih first.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a police report for an EPO?

No. An EPO can be issued by an authorised social welfare officer even if you have not lodged a police report.

Does the DVA apply to unmarried partners?

The Act protects spouses, former spouses, children, incapacitated adults and other family members as defined. Whether a particular relationship is covered depends on the definitions; ask a lawyer or social welfare officer.

Can the order make the abuser leave the home?

Protection orders can include conditions about the residence, such as stopping the person from entering your home or shared residence. The details depend on the order.

What if the abuser is a Muslim spouse?

The DVA applies to all persons in Malaysia. Related family matters such as divorce and custody may be dealt with in the Syariah courts.

Will my children be protected too?

Orders can protect children in the family. Tell the officer or court about the children's situation.

Sources & fact check

Legal points in this article were checked against the primary sources below. The law can change; this is general information, not legal advice.

1. Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521), as amended by Act A1538 (2017), AGC Laws of Malaysia
2. Government of Malaysia portal, Talian Kasih 15999 (KPWKM / JKM)

Fact-checked on 17 Oct 2026