Anti-sexual harassment tribunal seeing fewer cases than expected

GEORGE TOWN: The anti-sexual harassment tribunal established by the government in 2024 has so far received fewer complaints than expected, says deputy women, family and community development minister Lim Hui Ying.

She said this showed that many victims were still afraid or unsure about coming forward, mainly because of poor awareness and the stigma attached to such cases.

“Less than 100 cases since 2024 is actually rather low. A lot of sexual harassment victims feel ashamed and afraid to file a complaint,” she told reporters after an event here.

Lim said workplace victims were often reluctant to file complaints for fear it could affect their careers, and sometimes they may not be seeking compensation but simply an apology.

She said her ministry was also trying to encourage more victims to come forward through awareness campaigns.

Lim added that victims were unaware they could file complaints online and also approach the tribunal on how to lodge a formal complaint.

“They will guide you and tell you what to do,” she said, adding that sexual harassment was not limited to physical acts but included messages, visuals, eye contact and body gestures.

According to Lim, the tribunal introduced an online complaint system in January, while victims outside Kuala Lumpur do not need to travel to the capital for their cases to be heard.

She said the tribunal had panel members nationwide, while officers could travel to other states to conduct hearings.

Lim added that the tribunal aims to settle cases within 60 days once proceedings begin, while child victims may give evidence from a separate room through live video instead of facing the panel directly.

The anti-sexual harassment tribunal received a total of 99 complaints as of June 7 since it began operating on March 8, 2024.

Women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri was reported to have said that 80 complaints had been resolved while 19 are still being processed.