Designated parking bays for women drivers. Reserved train coaches for female passengers. Anti-sexual harassment signs in public buses with emergency contact numbers and instructions on how to seek help.
The above safety measures, introduced between 2010 and 2024, are aimed at reducing harassment and improving security for women in Malaysia as they go about their daily lives.
One of the bodies advocating for these measures was All Women’s Action Society (Awam), founded in 1985.
To continue its mission to combat gender-based violence and discrimination, the non-profit organisation organised a sports fundraiser in Kampung Sungai Penchala, Kuala Lumpur.
The “Serve For Equality Pickleball Fundraiser” welcomed 50 participants, with entry fees donated to support Awam’s Telenita Helpline.
Awam president Dr Lai Suat Yan said this free, safe and confidential support service had provided support for survivors of gender-based violence since 1991.
“Throughout the years, the voices calling in may be different, but behind every call we receive are the familiar stories of sexual violence and abuse, threats, stalking, rape, bullying and others,” she said in her speech.
“Some of the survivors are scared, others are desperate and some are defiant,” Lai said, stressing that everyone was looking for a safe place they could turn to.
“At the same time, the rapid rise of technology and artificial intelligence has created new and previously unimaginable forms of abuse, harassment and harm that are shaping how the next generation experiences violence.
“The nature of violence is changing, and our support systems must change with it.
“That is why we need your support as violence against women and girls remains an ongoing and urgent concern,” she said.
Lai, who has a doctorate in gender studies, said Telenita handled 510 cases from the public between January to June this year alone.
This is an increase from the 141 cases it received during the same corresponding period last year. Throughout 2025, Telenita handled 783 cases.
“Telenita’s work cannot continue without the resources to sustain it, and this fundraiser is about helping us keep that lifeline open for those who need it,” said Lai.
The pickleball event also aimed to raise public awareness on the organisation’s advocacy against sexual harassment.
“We hope that in addition to public donations, we will also attract volunteers to become Awam members.
“Fees are RM60 for working individuals and RM30 for those who are not.”
Present to launch the event was Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran.
According to Awam’s immediate past president and founding member Ho Yock Lin, Rajiv’s attendance marked the first time a man had launched an event organised by the group.
“Previously, male officials had only participated as guests or panellists,” she said.
Ho said the organisation needed close to RM500,000 a year, including to run awareness programmes.
“Awam currently has three full-time and one part-time staff.
“However, to effectively run programmes, it needs up to seven full-time staff,” she said.
Ho said the organisation also hoped to find financial backing to renovate its office in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Rajiv, a father of three young children –two daughters and a son, said he was honoured to be given the privilege to launch the pickleball fundraiser.
“I want Malaysia to be a safe place for all women and girls.
“I call upon all men to step up and support your (Awam’s) work,” said Rajiv, who contributed RM1,000 to the cause.
Much to the delight of the participants, he also obliged Lai by playing a short game of pickleball with her.
The Telenita helpline can be reached at 016-2374 221 Mondays to Fridays, 9.30am to 5.30pm.
