Women’s ministry: Victims of sexual harassment need to speak up, no shame in it

Butterworth, September 29 — The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is urging students to assert their boundaries, speak out against sexual harassment, and seek assistance if they encounter such behavior. Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying emphasized the importance of creating a safe school environment for children.

She emphasized that friends and family also have a responsibility to support those who may display altered behavior or suspicious circumstances. Lim stressed that seeking help is not a sign of shame and that individuals should have the courage to come forward and find appropriate channels for support. She highlighted that addressing bullying, sexual harassment, and violence requires a collaborative effort across various ministries, focusing on advocacy, prevention, awareness, and counseling.

The Social Welfare Department of KPWKM provides professional counseling services to schools when necessary. As of September 20, 142 complaints had been lodged with the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS), with 97 successfully resolved. TAGS, established under the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022, offers a quicker, more accessible, and cost-effective alternative for those facing sexual harassment.

Lim attributed the increase in sexual harassment cases reported to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to improved awareness and more people feeling empowered to seek help. According to PDRM statistics, 477 sexual harassment cases were recorded in 2022, growing to 522 in 2023, 788 in 2024, and 1,038 in 2025, with 388 cases reported as of May 31, 2025.