Latest news with #SexualHarassmentAct
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Anti-bullying law urged
Experts call for stronger, clearer legislation to protect victims PETALING JAYA: It is time for the nation to have a dedicated anti-bullying law to address the issue comprehensively, says Gerakan Gubal Akta Anti Buli (GAB). GAB chairperson Wan Azliana Wan Adnan said that while there are current provisions to deal with bullying, there is no specific law that states bullying is a crime, nor is there a legal definition of bullying. She noted that the recent Federal Court case of 'Ahmad Ikhwan Ahmad Fauzi vs Mohd Fahimi Endut and others' was a good example where the courts found it difficult to clearly define what bullying is, owing to lack of a legal definition. 'A dedicated Anti-Bullying Act is necessary, just as Malaysia has enacted the Sexual Harassment Act, to ensure clear definitions, protections and penalties,' she said when contacted yesterday. She noted that several other countries have enacted specific anti-bullying laws to protect victims and tackle the issue effectively. 'Malaysia should do the same. This will make it clear, in law, that bullying is a crime and will not be tolerated,' she added. She said the anti-bullying law should encompass all forms of bullying, physical, mental, including online, regardless of whether the victims are children or adults. Wan Azliana, a lawyer and anti-bullying advocate, said GAB has been pushing for such a law since 2022. 'We even submitted a memorandum and suggestions to the former Law Minister as well as the Education Ministry,' she said. Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said that while a dedicated anti-bullying law will offer a more comprehensive solution to the problem, it would take some time for the law to be drafted and passed by Parliament. 'In the meantime, existing laws must be strengthened and enforced without delay to protect current victims,' he said. He added that if such a law is to be enacted, it must be comprehensive with an enforceable legal framework that sets clear definitions, procedures and accountability for all institutions. 'Whether this is achieved through a dedicated anti-bullying law or through substantial amendments to existing laws, the focus must be on real protection and decisive action, not just provisions on paper,' he said. Human Rights Commission of Malaysia children's commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki said that there are enough laws to cover bullying. 'We have dedicated sections in the Penal Code for criminal law and a 2024 Federal Court decision that places the burden on the school and teachers when bullying takes place among students,' she said. She also noted that Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child also places a duty on state parties to prevent violence against children, which includes peer-to-peer violence. 'It is now time to fully enforce the SOP on prevention and management of bullying and to strengthen portals and mechanisms to ensure victims have outlets that are responsive to complaints.' Dr Farah said that while having laws is good, education and awareness among parents and children are equally important. 'Children must be taught and shown kindness while adults must exemplify this,' she said, adding that parents should not leave the responsibility to teachers alone, especially when sending kids to boarding schools. She also suggested that every school must have a clear Child Protection Policy, and parents and the school management must sign an AkuJanji document to pledge to prioritise children's safety.
Malay Mail
30-04-2025
- Malay Mail
Kuching police investigate e-hailing driver for alleged harassment after asking teen to remove headscarf
KUCHING, April 30 — Police are investigating an e-hailing driver for sexual harassment after he allegedly asked a 15-year-old female passenger to remove her headscarf during a ride along Jalan Camar here recently. Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the victim filed a police report on the incident on April 29. 'The case is being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code for uttering words with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of a person, which provides for a jail term of up to one year, or a fine, or both. 'It is also being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code for using words or gestures intended to insult the modesty of a person, which carries a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment, or a fine, or both,' he said in a statement today. He urged those with information related to the case to contact the district police headquarters on 082-244444 or investigating officer ASP Tan Kian Kok on 010-5661576. Alexson also reminded the public not to speculate or spread unverified information regarding the incident. The case sparked public outrage after a video went viral on social media, allegedly showing the man asking the teenage girl to remove her headscarf during her ride home. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri earlier condemned the incident and urged all parties to take a firm stand against sexual harassment. 'I am following closely the case involving an e-hailing driver and a 15-year-old girl that has gone viral on social media. The video shows the driver asking the victim to remove her 'tudung' (headscarf) during her ride home,' she said in a statement. She also praised the victim's father for his immediate response in demanding the suspect to accompany them to the police station. She added the father's decisive action reflects growing awareness among the public that sexual harassment is a serious issue and must not be taken lightly. 'As Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, I urge all parties to be brave in speaking out against sexual harassment in order to uphold the dignity and safety of our society. 'To the teenagers out there, do not remain silent. You have every right to act in defence of your safety and self-respect. At the same time, I am committed to strengthening justice through the full implementation of the Tribunal under the Sexual Harassment Act.' She called on all parties to work together in creating a safer and more respectful environment by courageously speaking out when facing or witnessing any form of sexual harassment, especially in efforts to protect children and women. 'When a case of sexual harassment occurs, the public can place full trust in the police to act fairly and promptly,' she said. — The Borneo Post * If you are experiencing sexual violence, the following hotlines offer free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); All Women's Action Society at 016-2374221/016-2284221 (9.30am-5.30pm); and Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03-30008858 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA 018-9888058 (24/7)
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Borneo Post
Kuching e-hailing driver under sexual harassment probe for asking teen passenger to take off headscarf
Alexson also reminded the public not to speculate or spread unverified information regarding the incident. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (April 30): Police are investigating an e-hailing driver for sexual harassment after he allegedly asked a 15-year-old female passenger to remove her headscarf during a ride along Jalan Camar here recently. Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the victim filed a police report on the incident on April 29. 'The case is being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code for uttering words with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of a person, which provides for a jail term of up to one year, or a fine, or both. 'It is also being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code for using words or gestures intended to insult the modesty of a person, which carries a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment, or a fine, or both,' he said in a statement today. He urged those with information related to the case to contact the district police headquarters on 082-244444 or investigating officer ASP Tan Kian Kok on 010-5661576. Alexson also reminded the public not to speculate or spread unverified information regarding the incident. The case sparked public outrage after a video went viral on social media, allegedly showing the man asking the teenage girl to remove her headscarf during her ride home. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri earlier condemned the incident and urged all parties to take a firm stand against sexual harassment. 'I am following closely the case involving an e-hailing driver and a 15-year-old girl that has gone viral on social media. The video shows the driver asking the victim to remove her 'tudung' (headscarf) during her ride home,' she said in a statement. She also praised the victim's father for his immediate response in demanding the suspect to accompany them to the police station. She added the father's decisive action reflects growing awareness among the public that sexual harassment is a serious issue and must not be taken lightly. 'As Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, I urge all parties to be brave in speaking out against sexual harassment in order to uphold the dignity and safety of our society. 'To the teenagers out there, do not remain silent. You have every right to act in defence of your safety and self-respect. At the same time, I am committed to strengthening justice through the full implementation of the Tribunal under the Sexual Harassment Act.' She called on all parties to work together in creating a safer and more respectful environment by courageously speaking out when facing or witnessing any form of sexual harassment, especially in efforts to protect children and women. 'When a case of sexual harassment occurs, the public can place full trust in the police to act fairly and promptly,' she said. Alexson Naga Chabu e-hailing driver investigation Kuching sexual harassment
Malay Mail
30-04-2025
- Malay Mail
‘Don't remain silent': Nancy Shukri urges public to speak up against sexual harassment after e-hailing incident
KUCHING, April 30 — Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri today called on all parties to be brave in speaking up against sexual harassment to defend the dignity and safety of the community. She said this following a video that went viral recently involving an e-hailing driver asking a 15-year-old teenage girl to remove her headscarf while using the service to return home. 'To the teenagers out there, do not remain silent. You have the right to act for your safety and dignity. At the same time, I am committed to strengthening justice through the full implementation of the Tribunal under the Sexual Harassment Act,' she said in a statement today. She understood that the victim's father had filed a police report regarding the incident and this reflected the increasing public awareness of the issue of sexual harassment which should not be taken lightly. 'When a case of sexual harassment occurs, the public can place full trust in the police to act fairly and promptly,' she said. — Bernama
The Sun
30-04-2025
- The Sun
Nancy wants all parties to be bold in voicing up on sexual harassment
KUCHING: Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri today called on all parties to be brave in speaking up against sexual harassment to defend the dignity and safety of the community. She said this following a video that went viral recently involving an e-hailing driver asking a 15-year-old teenage girl to remove her headscarf while using the service to return home. 'To the teenagers out there, do not remain silent. You have the right to act for your safety and dignity. At the same time, I am committed to strengthening justice through the full implementation of the Tribunal under the Sexual Harassment Act,' she said in a statement today. She understood that the victim's father had filed a police report regarding the incident and this reflected the increasing public awareness of the issue of sexual harassment which should not be taken lightly. 'When a case of sexual harassment occurs, the public can place full trust in the police to act fairly and promptly,' she said.
