Latest news with #TAGS
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Barnama
KPWKM Commended For Leading Advocacy Against Sexual Harassment
TAWAU, May 25 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has been commended for its proactive efforts nationwide in raising awareness about sexual harassment. Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, race or religion, and is often perpetrated by someone close to the victim. 'Many victims remain silent due to social pressure or simply because they don't know where to seek help. They should take advantage of the Sexual Harassment Redress Tribunal (TAGS) introduced by KPWKM. It provides a fast and low-cost alternative for addressing sexual harassment complaints. 'We all share the responsibility of creating a safe environment and supporting victims in seeking justice,' he said at the closing ceremony of the KPWKM Kembara Kasih 2025 programme and the handing over of the anti-sexual harassment notice last night. Also present was KPWKM Deputy Secretary-General (Operations), Farah Adura Hamidi. Joachim expressed concern over the rising trend of such cases in Malaysia, with 788 cases reported last year compared to 522 in 2023. As of March this year, 214 cases have already been recorded, five of them in Sabah. He praised the impact of the KPWKM Kembara Kasih 2025 programme, which covered six districts across Sabah, starting in Tuaran on May 16, then moving through Papar, Penampang, Lahad Datu, Kunak and ending in Tawau. He said the initiative brought meaningful benefits to key target groups in Sabah, particularly women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, through 34 programmes. 'Programmes like Ziarah Kasih, which deliver direct aid to clients of the Social Welfare Department and the National Population and Family Development Board, received strong support from the local community.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- The Sun
KPWKM commended for leading advocacy against sexual harassment
TAWAU: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has been commended for its proactive efforts nationwide in raising awareness about sexual harassment. Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, race or religion, and is often perpetrated by someone close to the victim. 'Many victims remain silent due to social pressure or simply because they don't know where to seek help. They should take advantage of the Sexual Harassment Redress Tribunal (TAGS) introduced by KPWKM. It provides a fast and low-cost alternative for addressing sexual harassment complaints. 'We all share the responsibility of creating a safe environment and supporting victims in seeking justice,' he said at the closing ceremony of the KPWKM Kembara Kasih 2025 programme and the handing over of the anti-sexual harassment notice last night. Also present was KPWKM Deputy Secretary-General (Operations), Farah Adura Hamidi. Joachim expressed concern over the rising trend of such cases in Malaysia, with 788 cases reported last year compared to 522 in 2023. As of March this year, 214 cases have already been recorded, five of them in Sabah. He praised the impact of the KPWKM Kembara Kasih 2025 programme, which covered six districts across Sabah, starting in Tuaran on May 16, then moving through Papar, Penampang, Lahad Datu, Kunak and ending in Tawau. He said the initiative brought meaningful benefits to key target groups in Sabah, particularly women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, through 34 programmes. 'Programmes like Ziarah Kasih, which deliver direct aid to clients of the Social Welfare Department and the National Population and Family Development Board, received strong support from the local community. 'This reflects the government's continued commitment to the well-being of its people,' he added.
Daily Express
24-05-2025
- Daily Express
Sexual harassment cases rising: Govt ramps up action and awareness
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 Text Size: **Dr Joachim (fourth from left) presents the Anti-Sexual Harassment Notice to Dr Kogilavani Subermaniam, Director of the Ministry of Health Training Institute (ILKKM) Tawau. Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam voiced concern over the sharp rise in sexual harassment cases nationwide, urging a unified response to combat the issue. According to police data, reported cases rose from 477 in 2022 to 522 in 2023, and surged to 788 in 2024. As of March 2025, 214 cases have already been reported, including five in Sabah. Speaking at the closing of the Kembara Kasih programme in Tawau, Dr Joachim stressed the urgent need for public awareness and stronger support systems for victims, warning that sexual harassment can escalate into more serious crimes. He welcomed the introduction of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal (TAGS) by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), offering victims a faster and more affordable alternative to civil courts. Notices on anti-sexual harassment were also presented to relevant agencies as a sign of the government's commitment. Dr Joachim encouraged victims to come forward and seek justice, emphasising the collective responsibility to ensure a safe and supportive environment. Advertisement The Kembara Kasih programme toured six districts in Sabah, reaching vulnerable groups through 34 activities involving agencies under KPWKM. Initiatives like Ziarah Kasih received positive community feedback. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Rising sexual harassment, domestic violence cases highlight need for community action
Flovia delivering her speech when officiating the 'Zero Tolerance for Violence' programme. KOTA KINABALU (May 17): A total of 30 sexual harassment complaints have been lodged with the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) to date. State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Assistant Minister Datuk Flovia Ng explained that TAGS serves as an alternative platform to civil court, aimed at handling sexual harassment complaints swiftly, efficiently, and at minimal cost. Flovia said that once a report is lodged, action will be taken against perpetrators, including compensation for any loss or damage suffered by the victims. In 2024 alone, 28 sexual harassment complaints were filed with TAGS, while 11 cases were reported up to 29 April 2025. So far, 30 complaints have been heard and decisions made. Meanwhile, police data revealed a concerning rise in sexual harassment cases: 477 in 2022, 522 in 2023, and 788 in 2024. As of March 2025, 214 cases have been reported, including five from Sabah. Flovia noted that the increase in reports shows a growing awareness among the community regarding the importance of personal safety. 'Sexual harassment is a subjective behavior that can happen anywhere and to anyone, regardless of gender, race, religion, or other factors,' she said. 'It is important for all groups in society to recognize that sexual harassment is a form of behavior that makes victims feel uncomfortable, afraid, or threatened.' She made the remarks while officiating the 'Zero Tolerance for Violence' programme at the Papar Community Hall today. On a related note, Flovia also highlighted domestic violence as a serious and ongoing issue requiring collective attention and action. According to police statistics, 7,116 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2024, including 551 cases from Sabah. This marks an increase from 5,507 cases in 2023 and 6,540 in 2022. Flovia, who is also the Tulid assemblywoman, emphasized that while women are the majority of victims, men can also be affected. She noted that domestic violence cases surged during the Covid-19 pandemic due to lockdowns and financial pressures. Many victims hesitate to come forward due to fear, social stigma, or emotional manipulation by their abusers. Others may be unaware of how to report such cases. 'As a caring society, we need to be vigilant and take action if we witness such incidents in our community. Be informed and report what's happening around us,' urged Flovia.
