Process of setting up Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal ongoing, says Nancy

PUTRAJAYA: The process of establishing the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment is still under way, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

She said that the ministry is still determining the location of the tribunal, while finalising its members.

“We have already received the allocation (for the tribunal) but we still don’t have the premises for it.

“It’s still in the process, including the appointment of the tribunal members.

"The names need to be presented and approved first by the higher authorities,” she told reporters at the Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy Programme Roadshow launch event here on Monday (May 29).

Under the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840), the tribunal would become a critical part of the Act, where it will consist of a president and a deputy who must have judicial experience.

There will also be a minimum of five other members, and they too must have judicial or legal experience.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who spoke at the launch, said the Act would be able to help address gender-based discrimination, especially pertaining to sexual harassment.

“It will serve as an alternative platform that provides remedy to any individuals affected by sexual harassment, through the establishment of the tribunal.

“I believe that with increasing public awareness on sexual harassment and its effects on the victims, we will be able to realise an ecosystem and surroundings conducive to empowering women,” he said in his speech at the event.

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy Programme’s Implementation guidelines were also launched.

Ahmad Zahid also urged workplaces to be equipped with high-definition CCTV cameras to help provide evidence in cases of sexual harassment at work.