SIBU: The Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) is a proactive initiative by the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development to systematically address sexual harassment.
Its Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS), operational since March 8, 2024, has served as an accessible and low-cost platform for victims to seek justice.
“As I said earlier, our tribunal, better known as TAGS, offers a low-cost and quick alternative for handling sexual harassment complaints.
“The tribunal provides victims with the opportunity to take action against perpetrators to claim compensation for losses or damages suffered due to the harassment,” she said at the closing of the Kasih Community and Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy Programme @ Sibu held at the Sibu Jaya Community Hall on Sunday (Jan 12).
She said that from 2023 to date, the ministry has conducted over 100 advocacy programmes on sexual harassment, including the KASIH KPWKM Roadshow @ Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy Programme across the nation in collaboration with various government agencies, private sector entities, and NGOs.
Last year, 28 complaints were filed, 10 of which were resolved within the stipulated time frame, granting victims the opportunity to claim compensation for losses caused by harassment.
“Sexual harassment is subjective in nature, can occur anywhere, and can happen to anyone regardless of gender, race, religion, or other factors.
“It is therefore crucial for all members of society to recognise that sexual harassment is a behaviour of a sexual nature that causes discomfort, fear, or distress to the victim due to the perpetrator’s actions,” she said.
Nancy also said that the police reported 506 cases of sexual harassment in 2021, with a slight decrease to 488 cases in 2022. However, the cases rose again in 2023 to 529. As of October last year, 666 cases had been reported.
She expressed hope that the programme would aid the ministry in broadening advocacy efforts on sexual harassment, aimed at prevention and raising societal awareness of the issue.
“If this issue is not curbed at an early stage, sexual harassment can become a precursor to more serious problems, including violence against women, which has a negative impact on the well-being of individuals and society as a whole,” she said.
