PETALING JAYA: A digital system will start soon to allow victims of sexual harassment submit their complaints online without having to be present at the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS).
“They will be able to file their complaints, statements of defence and all relevant documents online rather than physically filing them at the TAGS’ counter in Putrajaya.
“We are in the process of setting up an e-filing system for TAGS. It will be launched soon,” the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry told The Star.
TAGS, which comes under the ministry, was established in March last year under Section 3 of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act.
It provides an alternative channel to the civil courts so that sexual harassment complaints could be handled speedily in a simple manner.
In July last year, TAGS issued its first ruling concerning a complaint about a male employer harassing a female staff member.
Between March last year and Feb 15 this year, a total of 33 sexual harassment complaints have been registered at TAGS.
Out of this number, 18 cases were disposed of within 60 days from the first day of hearing.
Most of the cases were from the Klang Valley.
According to the ministry, all TAGS hearings are held behind closed doors to help victims provide their best evidence and spare them the embarrassment.
The ministry also pointed out that it would look into possible areas to improve the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act.
It would need to consider key elements such as identifying gaps and issues, besides seeking feedback from relevant parties.
The main focus of the Act is to advocate the public on prevention and awareness of sexual harassment and not solely focus on the punishment itself, it said.
Last year, the ministry conducted seven advocacy programmes at higher education institutions with more than 3,000 students participating in them.
“We believe it is crucial to educate the community so that sexual harassment is not normalised,” it said.
“Collaboration with key stakeholders helps ensure all advocacy programmes address the real needs and concerns of the communities we serve.”
