Can I get an injunction against harassment while the divorce is pending?

Separation can bring unwanted visits to your workplace, endless calls and messages, waiting outside your home, or turning up at the children's school to confront you. You do not have to put up with this while the divorce is pending. The family court can order it to stop.

What does section 103 provide?

Under section 103 of the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 (LRA), the court has power:

• during the pendency of any matrimonial proceedings; or
• on or after the grant of a decree of divorce, judicial separation or annulment,

to order any person to refrain from forcing his or her society on his or her spouse or former spouse, and from other acts of molestation.

"Molestation" in this context is broader than physical violence. It can include pestering, harassment, intimidation and conduct that interferes with the other person's peace. The order is framed to suit the facts, for example not to contact the applicant except through lawyers, not to come within a certain distance of the home or workplace, or not to post about the applicant.

How is it different from a domestic violence protection order?

	LRA s.103 injunction	Domestic Violence Act 1994 orders
When	During matrimonial proceedings or after a decree	Linked to domestic violence; emergency, interim and full protection orders
Conduct	Forcing society and other molestation	Domestic violence as defined in the Act, including physical, sexual and psychological abuse
Enforcement	Contempt of court	Offence to contravene; power of arrest may be attached in some cases

The two are not exclusive. Where there is violence or a threat of it, the Domestic Violence Act 1994 route is usually considered first. See protection orders.

Have a question about your own situation? Ask on WhatsApp

What evidence do I need?

• A log of incidents with dates, times and places.
• Screenshots of messages, call logs and social media posts.
• Witnesses, such as colleagues, neighbours or security staff.
• Police reports, if any, and medical records where relevant.

The application is made in the divorce proceedings and supported by affidavit. Where the conduct is serious and ongoing, it can be made urgently.

What happens if the order is breached?

Breach of a court injunction is a contempt of court. The applicant can bring committal proceedings, which follow a formal procedure and can lead to serious consequences. Keep a record of every breach and report threats to the police.

What should I do first?

1. Put safety first. If you are in danger, call 999.
2. Stop engaging: reply only through lawyers or a single agreed channel.
3. Record every incident and keep screenshots.
4. Consider the right route: an LRA injunction, a DVA protection order, or both.
5. Apply in the divorce proceedings, asking for specific terms.

Example

After filing a petition, a husband receives dozens of messages a day from his wife and finds her waiting at his office lobby. He keeps a log and screenshots, and his office security staff give statements. The court grants an injunction under section 103 restraining her from contacting him except through lawyers and from coming to his workplace.

Common mistakes

• Responding emotionally, which can confuse the evidence.
• Asking for vague orders that are hard to enforce.
• Relying on a section 103 injunction alone when violence is involved.
• Not serving the order properly, so the other side can say they did not know of it.

When to speak to a lawyer

Speak to a lawyer if harassment continues after separation, so the right order and terms can be sought quickly. See our family and divorce page; you can also contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Can the order cover my ex-spouse's new partner or relatives?

Section 103 refers to "any person", so an order can be sought against others who molest the spouse, depending on the facts.

Can I get an order after the divorce is final?

Yes. Section 103 applies on or after a decree of divorce, judicial separation or annulment.

Is there a 24-hour helpline?

Talian Kasih 15999 provides support. In an emergency, call 999.

Sources & fact check

Legal points in this article were checked against the primary sources below. The law can change; this is general information, not legal advice.

1. Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 (Act 164), including sections 83, 88, 93, 95 and 96, AGC Laws of Malaysia
2. Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521), as amended by Act A1538 (2017), AGC Laws of Malaysia
3. Government of Malaysia portal, Talian Kasih 15999 (KPWKM / JKM)

Fact-checked on 17 Oct 2026