Tags taking steps to widen access

PETALING JAYA: The Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (Tags) is taking steps to make it more accessible to anyone in need, says the tribunal president.

Tags president Syafeera Mohd Said mentioned that this is in accordance with Section 12(3) of the Act, which states that “the Tribunal may sit in one or more sittings on such day and at such time and place as the president may determine.

“Additionally, the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) has appointed tribunal members from Sarawak and Sabah.

“Therefore, the tribunal’s proceedings can take place in both states for any complaints made by residents there,” she told The Star.

Currently, Tags is only operating from the ministry’s office in Putrajaya.

Several parties have expressed hope that the tribunal will be widely accessible to all, regardless of their location.

In response, Syafeera said while KPWKM is focusing on the operations and reinforcement of the Tags office, an online system is also in the pipeline.

“As a proactive measure to address this issue, the ministry is in the process of developing an e-Tribunal System for Anti-Sexual Harassment (e-TAGS system) to enable victims of sexual harassment to make complaints online, overcoming geographical constraints.

“The e-TAGS system is expected to be operational next year,” she added.

To date, Tags has received a total of nine cases – with three resolved and awarded, while the remaining cases are ongoing.

Syafeera explained that in accordance with Section 20(1) of the Act, if a complaint of sexual harassment is successfully proven on the balance of probabilities, the Tags panel will issue an award containing one or more actions.

This section stipulates that the respondent may be required to issue a statement of apology to the complainant, and if the acts were committed in public, the apology must be broadcasted.

On compensation or damages, the respondent may be liable for a sum of up to RM250,000 for any loss or damage incurred by the complainant as a result of sexual harassment.

The affected parties may also be required to attend any programmes deemed necessary by the panel.

“Tags accepts all types of cases categorised as sexual harassment, which is defined as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, in any form – whether verbal, non-verbal, visual, gestural, or physical – directed at a person that is reasonably offensive, insulting or constitutes a threat to their well-being,” Syafeera said.

Those subjected to sexual harassment can file complaints in Putrajaya or seek further information about Tags through Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp to 019-2615999.