KUALA LUMPUR: The police have refuted claims that they were reluctant to receive reports on domestic violence after the issue was raised by the Women, Family and Community Ministry.

       Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hasan said the police will not compromise on these matters and stern action will be taken if there are any breaches in the handling of domestic violence cases as indicated by the ministry.

       "Since the Domestic Violence Act was enforced in 1996, the police have issued a number of administrative orders over the handling imvolving investigations of domestic violence cases to be complied with at all levels," he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 30).

       He said disciplinary action will be taken against any personnel who were reluctant to receive such reports.

       "We urge the ministry or any other party affected by the issue to come forward and give us more information so that an internal investigation can be conducted.

       "This will also ensure action can be taken against any personnel if it is proven," Abd Jalil added.

       The ministry has advised victims of domestic violence to go to the hospital and get a medical report on their condition immediately if they encounter police personnel who refuse to accept their reports on the grounds that it is a "family matter".

       Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun said the medical report from the hospital can then be used so police cannot refuse to accept their report.

       The Social Welfare Department will, in the meantime, issue an Emergency Protection Order to separate the couple if there was abuse, she told reporters after an event on Monday (March 28).