Sexual Harassment Bill to address gaps in existing laws - minister

The Sexual Harassment Bill will address gaps in existing laws and regulations such as outlining a more comprehensive definition of sexual harassment, said Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Rina Harun.

She said the definition of sexual harassment under the bill takes into account that it can be done through various means and mediums, so stalking and spreading personal information, pictures, or videos online will be criminalised.

“However, it has been suggested that a specific provision regarding stalking be introduced through an amendment to the Penal Code,” she said.

Rina was replying a question by Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar who asked on Aug 26 whether the new bill will address gaps in existing laws.

Some of the gaps mentioned included the crime of taking pictures without permission, making threats with private pictures or videos, stalking, and the spread of private information without permission.

“The priority was to ensure that the draft is comprehensive enough to deal with the gaps in the existing laws and regulations such as in the Penal Code, practice codes, and guidelines which only applies to either the public or private sector.

“Aside from that, the Sexual Harassment Bill draft also outlines a more comprehensive definition of sexual harassment and the usage of it will not just be limited to the work sector but also public places,” said Rina in a written parliamentary reply.

She said the bill on the whole will be able to raise awareness among the public about the crime of sexual harassment so that such crimes can be prevented, as well as provide protection to victims through appropriate redress.

The bill will also place responsibility on employers to report and investigate reports on sexual harassment complaints.

Previously, Rina said the bill was expected to be tabled for a first reading in the Dewan Rakyat by year's end.

The bill was supposed to be tabled for a first reading in March this year, but due to the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government, the bill has to be tabled again for the consideration and approval of the new Perikatan Nasional cabinet.

"The Sexual Harassment Bill has been drafted through the formation of a special projects team consisting of stakeholders from various ministries, agencies, academicians, NGOs, and individuals with knowledge and experience on issues relating to sexual harassment and the law," Rina added. - Mkini