PETALING JAYA: The proposal to freeze the bank accounts of men who fail to pay alimony to their former wives may be implemented this year after discussions among the relevant ministries and agencies, says Datuk Seri Rina Harun.

       The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said that based on the information it received, many ex-husbands failed to provide alimony.

       “With this move, the ex-wives will be able to receive it,” she told reporters after the launching of the new image of the Pusrawi Maternity Hospital and Polyclinic in Kota Damansara here yesterday, Bernama reported.

       Rina, who welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister, added that her ministry would try to implement the measure this year with the cooperation of those ministries and agencies after discussions with them.

       She also reminded ex-wives who were not paid alimony that they could complain via the Talian Kasih line at 15999 or the other platforms of her ministry.

       On Saturday, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also Umno vice-president, when winding up the debate at the party’s general assembly 2021, announced that the bank accounts of men would be frozen if they violate the court order to provide maintenance for their ex-wives.

       He said this was among the matters decided by the government to protect women, including court cases won by women in claiming alimony.

       Besides that, he said, widows were allowed to work from home during her iddah (mourning period lasting four months and 10 days) following the husband’s death while the employers could not force them to work in the office during this period of bereavement.

       Rina also welcomed the move.

       “After losing her husband, a woman has many matters to attend to, such as those involving the children and home.

       “The Covid-19 pandemic has proven that we are just as capable when working from home,” she added.