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Workplace violence against nurses are often neglected and under reported. The effects of workplace violence however are profound affecting individuals who would otherwise be a productive workforce in the healthcare system. Sporadic reports on workplace violence against nurses have been reported worldwide. There is a need for similar studies in Malaysia. Using a structured questionnaire developed by WHO which was translated and adapted for local context, a cross sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and nature of workplace violence against nurses working in the emergency and psychiatry departments Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between September and November 2015. A total of 90 out of 120 nurses responded. The prevalence of physical violence and verbal abuse were 51.1% and 93.3% respectively. In both cases, sources of violence and abuse originated from patients. Majority of respondents (34.2%) took no action regarding their violent experiences. Despite the high prevalence of violence, it was not associated with factors such as age and work experience. Although the age group 25-29 had a higher frequency of experiencing physical violence and verbal abuse, 45.7% and 41.7% respectively, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.233) (P = 0.143). Similarly a work experience of 1-5 years had a higher frequency of exposure to physical violence and verbal abuse, 50% and 44% respectively but was also not statistically significant (P = 0.545) (P = 0.232). In view of the findings, suggestion for the implementation of workplace violence policy should be considered in order to ensure a better working environment for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]