In a disturbing case that has sparked public outrage, a 36-year-old Malaysian man was sentenced to one day in jail and fined RM6,000 (approximately S$1,800) after violently attacking his wife for leaving the house to buy vegetables without his consent. The incident took place in Taman Desa Bertam, Melaka, and has drawn attention to issues of domestic control and abuse within Southeast Asian households.
The accused, identified as See Yong Fei, reportedly launched the assault after discovering that his 39-year-old wife had gone to the market alone. Enraged that she had neither informed nor sought his approval, he allegedly punched her arms and kicked her back repeatedly, inflicting serious injuries including multiple fractures.
Woman Confined After Beating, Escaped While Husband Was at Work
Following the brutal attack, See is said to have confined the victim inside their home, barring her from seeking help. It wasn’t until he left for work that she managed to secretly reach out to a friend, who helped her escape and file a police report. She was later taken to Melaka Hospital for treatment of her injuries, which included trauma to her face, limbs, and back.
According to prosecutors, the violent episode was triggered not just by her solo outing, but also by See’s resentment over her interacting with others during her market trip. The case has been described as a severe example of possessive behaviour escalating into physical abuse, highlighting the ongoing challenge of addressing domestic violence in conservative households.
Court Urged to Impose Harsher Sentence, But Man Spared Heavier Penalty
During sentencing, the Deputy Public Prosecutor pressed for a more substantial punishment given the severity of the injuries. Under Malaysian law, See could have faced up to seven years in prison for the offence. However, his defence counsel pleaded for leniency, citing his role as the main breadwinner, caretaker of an ill father, and father to five young children.
The court ultimately handed him the minimum custodial sentence of one day in jail alongside the fine. The victim no longer resides with him following the attack.
Public Outcry Over Light Sentence for Domestic Violence
Many netizens across Malaysia and Singapore have criticised the seemingly lenient penalty, arguing that it sends the wrong message about domestic abuse. Some have also called for stricter enforcement of laws and greater protection for victims of spousal violence, especially when the abuse stems from outdated gender expectations and control.
This incident adds to growing concerns in the region about how domestic abuse cases are handled by the legal system, with many advocating for mandatory counselling, restraining orders, and support systems for survivors.
Source: Malaysia Gazette