Court upholds technician’s sacking over sexual harassment of cleaner

The Kuala Lumpur High Court has upheld the termination of a former senior technician at a government-linked company following allegations of sexual harassment against a 17-year-old cleaner. The court dismissed the man's appeal against the decision made by the Industrial Court. Judge Alice Loke ruled that the company had just cause and excuse to terminate his employment, stating that the grounds raised by the man did not warrant her intervention.

The incident occurred in June 2022, when the man allegedly inappropriately touched the cleaner during her lunch break in the company pantry. The cleaner reported the incident, alleging that the man dragged his hand along her waist. An investigation found him guilty, and the company terminated his employment immediately. The man appealed the decision, arguing that the evidence against him was insufficient and that there were inconsistencies in the cleaner's testimony.

However, the High Court upheld the Industrial Court's findings, noting that the cleaner's version of events was corroborated by a co-worker who witnessed the alleged incident. The court also rejected the man's complaints about the domestic inquiry, stating that any flaws in the inquiry process did not invalidate the Industrial Court's decision.