In a resounding call to action, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Malaysia's Women, Family, and Community Development Minister, fervently emphasizes that society must unequivocally reject the normalization of any behavior tainted by elements of sexual harassment. She staunchly asserts that no facet of sexual harassment should ever be tolerated, whether it presents itself blatantly or disguises itself as a mere jest.
Addressing a gathering during the opening speech of the "Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy" roadshow organized by the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry, Nancy Shukri underlined the urgency of the matter. She reiterated that it was incumbent upon society to shatter the culture of silence that has long shielded perpetrators. "Some offenders may perceive their actions as harmless pranks or misunderstandings. However, the normalization of such behavior must never be sanctioned," she asserted.
The issue of sexual harassment, Nancy Shukri noted, was far from novel. Nevertheless, she underscored its criticality and the need to sustain a robust discourse surrounding it. This commitment to dialogue, she believes, is pivotal to eradicating the scourge of sexual harassment from society.
To put the issue into perspective, Nancy Shukri referenced police statistics, which indicated a slight decrease in sexual harassment cases in 2022 compared to the previous year. There were 477 cases in 2022, down from 506 cases in 2021. However, a staggering 90% of these cases involved female victims, with 416 cases in 2022 and 446 cases in 2021.
Additionally, the minister expressed deep concern about sexual harassment cases involving children, with 35 cases reported nationwide, including four in Sabah, in the preceding year. Sabah, she revealed, ranked third in Malaysia for the highest number of sexual harassment cases, trailing only Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
Nancy Shukri drew attention to the recently enacted Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 2022, which began its phased enforcement on March 28. This legislation, she asserted, will empower victims to step forward and report such offenses without fear. It is a critical step in the battle against sexual harassment.
The roadshow, according to Nancy, serves the dual purpose of raising awareness and educating communities about sexual harassment. Its objective is to assure victims that they are not alone in their struggle against this pervasive issue. "We want our society to be more vigilant about anti-sexual harassment matters, to utilize the provisions of the Act, and for victims to find the courage to confide in trusted individuals," she stated.
Nancy Shukri also underscored the vital role that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play in amplifying the ministry's efforts to raise awareness about sexual harassment. This collaboration between government bodies and NGOs, she believes, will help disseminate information even in remote, rural areas, ensuring that no corner of society remains untouched by the urgent call for change.
Reference: Don't normalise sexual harassment in any form, says Nancy | The Star
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