'Finally!': Stalking is now a crime, whether it's done physically or online

Any individual found guilty of stalking faces a maximum jail sentence of up to three years, a fine, or both, upon conviction. Photo: Freepik

On March 29, the Dewan Rakyat passed amendments to the Penal Code making stalking – both physically and online – a crime. A new Section 507A has been included under the Penal Code (Act 574) to make stalking an offence and any individual found guilty faces a maximum jail sentence of up to three years, a fine, or both, conviction.

The passing of the amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code to make stalking a crime is a positive step towards improving Malaysia’s response to gender-based violence and for survivors to find relief and seek protection.