Minister wants Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 amended

Barely one year since being effectively in force, amendments are being sought for the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022.

Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri said she is considering making the law even stricter to tackle sexual harassment in the workplace.

“The proposed amendments aim to address existing weaknesses, and at this initial stage, I have personally requested that this matter be reviewed and studied for potential amendments.

“If necessary, we will introduce stricter laws because, without proportionate action, it would be unfair to the victims, be they women or men,” she was quoted as saying by Bernama today.

No details were provided as to what amendments are being considered, or what provisions are found to be lacking.

Under the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, victims are required to lodge complaints to a tribunal that is empowered to order harassers to apologise to their victims and may even prescribe compensation or damages of up to RM250,000.

Sexual harassers who refuse to comply can be subject to fines and even jail time.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the bill in July 2022 and it was gazetted in October of that year.

The law technically came into force in March 2023, but the rollout began with creating awareness.

However, it wasn’t until March this year that a complaints counter in Putrajaya was opened, and the 30-member tribunal received their appointment letters.

Nancy at the time noted that while the law applied nationwide, complaints had to be lodged in Putrajaya.

She then mooted an e-filing system to allow victims in other states to easily lodge complaints.

The e-filing system is expected to be implemented next year.

Only eight cases brought to tribunal

Nancy said today that thus far, only eight cases have been brought before the tribunal.

The minister also blamed sexual harassment as being a contributing factor to depression in the country.

“We are committed to doing what is fair to protect victims. Depression is a prevalent issue in Malaysia, and one of the contributing factors is the lack of protection and action against sexual harassment cases," she added.

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