It's time's up for sexual harassers in Malaysia, with Anti Sexual Harassment Bill passed

With the Sexual Harassment Bill anyone who directly experiences sexual harassment (verbal, non-verbal, visual, gestural or physical) can report it and have their case heard by the Tribunal. Photo: 123rf.com

After more than two decades of advocacy by women’s rights activists, the passing of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill by the Dewan Rakyat last Wednesday was truly a long time coming.

The bill stipulates the setting up of a closed-door tribunal to hear cases of sexual harassment, come up with a judgement, award compensation and direct perpetrators to issue an official apology to complainants, if they are found to be at fault. Offenders may have to pay compensation or damages of up to RM250,000 for any loss or damage suffered by the complainant. Defendants who fail to comply with the tribunal’s ruling can be fined or imprisoned.