Police have recorded statements from four people, including a Penang assemblyman and his wife, over an alleged domestic assault at the couple’s home last Saturday.
Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said the other two people are family members, The Star reported. The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which covers voluntarily causing hurt.
No arrests have been made so far. Lim said the investigation papers will go to the Deputy Public Prosecutor once the file is complete.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we will refer the investigation papers to the Deputy Public Prosecutor. We will follow the law,” New Straits Times quoted him as saying at the state police contingent headquarters.
He was answering questions about the wife’s allegations that her husband had assaulted her and that police had failed to act on her report. Lim dismissed that claim, saying officers had taken the necessary steps since the report was lodged, and that investigators were seeking medical confirmation of the injuries she described.
“We need confirmation from medical specialists as we are not doctors. The victim deserves protection, and we will do whatever we can to ensure justice for everyone,” he said.
Lim said police would decide whether there were sufficient grounds for further action as the investigation progressed. He also asked the public not to sensationalise the matter, describing it as a private family issue.
“This is a domestic violence case involving a family matter, so there is no need to make it public unnecessarily. From the investigative aspect, we are looking into it and will follow the law,” he said, adding that police would ensure fairness to all parties.
Section 323 carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both. The offence is bailable.
Police have not named the assemblyman, and no charge has been filed. A case reaches court only after the prosecution decides the investigation papers disclose an offence.
Domestic violence complaints in Malaysia are handled under the Penal Code and the Domestic Violence Act 1994, which provides for protection orders while an investigation runs. A file sent to the Deputy Public Prosecutor usually rests on recorded statements, medical reports and witness accounts, and the prosecutor may direct further enquiries or decide on charges.
Until that decision is made, the inquiry stays open and no one connected to the case has been arrested.
