From complaint to compensation: How victims in Malaysia are winning sexual harassment cases

The Sexual Harassment Tribunal Agency (Tags) under the Malaysian Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has recorded 134 sexual harassment complaints over a two-year period. Out of these, 90 cases were successfully resolved. Tags, established on March 8, 2024, serves as a crucial platform for victims seeking resolution and redress for these incidents.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri emphasized that the numbers only cover complaints received at KPWKM counters and do not include police reports. Notably, four male victims and children have also utilized this platform to seek redress.

Nancy highlighted that some victims have won their cases and received compensation. She further stressed that KPWKM continues to offer support through advocacy, education, and easily accessible assistance channels to empower victims to speak up against sexual harassment. The minister also shared that 4,646 domestic violence cases had been reported nationwide up to July of the current year, including 424 cases in Sabah.

Nancy stressed that comprehensive, integrated, and sustained action is necessary to ensure women's safety, calling for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

She advised victims of violence or sexual harassment to have the courage to speak up through proper channels and to preserve any evidence that could assist in the process of seeking redress.