BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Bigger Picture  >  Beyond The Ballot Box  >  Organise, Mobilise: How Malaysia Outlawed Domestic Violence

Organise, Mobilise: How Malaysia Outlawed Domestic Violence

Betty Yeoh, Founding Member, All Women's Action Society (AWAM)

02-Oct-25 15:00

Organise, Mobilise: How Malaysia Outlawed Domestic Violence

While domestic violence is still very much prevalent in society today, I think we at the very least live in a climate where committing violence against your spouse is culturally unacceptable (broadly speaking of course) and completely illegal. But this wasn’t always the case.

There was a time, though – not too long ago, in fact – when if a husband were to beat his wife, for example, it would be seen as a private/family matter. Authorities would close an eye or advise the abused spouse to find a way to endure or reconcile. This was the case until the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act of 1994.

So, what changed in the 90s?

In this episode, we're joined by Betty Yeoh, someone who has been at the forefront of women’s rights activism in Malaysia since the 80s. She’s also one of the founding members of the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM). We talk about how ordinary Malaysians came together and pushed the government back in the day, to outlaw domestic violence.

Produced by: Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Dashran Yohan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  governmentpoliticsLaw/Activism

Tags:  beyond the ballot boxwomen's rightsdomestic violencedomestic violence actpatriarchyfeminism





Play / Pause

Listen now : Open For Business : Alvin Andrew, Founder, FUBIZO

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Dilin Wu, Research Strategist, Pepperstone tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Herman Chan, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the outlook for US regional banks.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Sonia Mycak of ANU weighs in on Washington’s new sanctions against Russia’s major oil companies.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Munira Mustaffa, Chasseur Group & Dr. Benjamin Loh, Monash University talks about disinformation & media literacy.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister talks about the upcoming ASEAN Summit and MITI's role in ensuring Malaysia's economic resilience.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Dilin Wu, Research Strategist, Pepperstone tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Herman Chan, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the outlook for US regional banks.

9:35 AM

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Alvin Andrew, Founder, FUBIZO

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Farid Zakwan, Team Captain & Macy Lim, Lam Research, Ilylia Kamaruzaman, Founder, Roboticist Malaysia

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Front Row

What began as a small neighbourhood collaboration has grown into PESZTA, a vibrant festival celebrating Kampung Attap’s creative spirit. We speak to the organisers about what’s new in its fourth edition.

3:20 PM

Front Row

We find out about the A4 Art Fair 2025, which celebrates “The Art of Everything,” blurring the lines between art, design, and everyday life.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Doctor in the House: Are kids today living in an environment that is “too hygienic”? Are their immune systems really becoming weaker? Find out from the expert.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

We review Good Fortune, and then discuss the best (and worst) of Keanu Reeves movies.

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

Bar None

9:00 PM

The Selector