SEMPORNA: The rising number of sexual harassment reports in the country highlights the need for stronger public awareness, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said while the growing numbers required attention, it also reflected greater awareness and the willingness of victims to come forward and seek help.
Nancy said the Royal Malaysian Police records showed the number of sexual harassment cases over the past few years more than doubled.
She said a total of 477 cases were recorded in 2022, rising to 522 in 2023, 788 cases in 2024 and 1,083 cases in 2025.
“A total of 388 cases were reported in the country up to May this year, including 31 in Sabah,” she added.
Nancy said the Government strengthened measures to address sexual harassment through the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) which came into force on March 8, 2024.
“The establishment of the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) also serves as an alternative platform that is easier, cheaper and faster for victims to claim their rights,” she said at the Zero Tolerance Against Violence programme, organised by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry through the Jabatan Pembangunan Wanita, Thursday.
Nancy said as of Aug 30, a total of 134 complaints were filed, with 90 of them resolved.
“This shows the tribunal is capable of serving as a trusted channel that brings justice to victims.”On the programme, Nancy said it aimed to ensure communities understood the different forms of sexual harassment, their rights and the steps that could be taken when such incidents occurred.
“People should not only know that sexual harassment or violence is wrong, but also know what to do when such situations occur, where they can seek help and how the community can work together to prevent them,” she said.
She said the protection of women’s safety and dignity was a shared responsibility involving families, communities, educational institutions, workplaces, government agencies and civil society.
Nancy said the Ministry has also mobilised the Eliminate Violence Against Women (EVAW) campaign, to ensure that the agenda to end violence against women can be implemented effectively and comprehensively.
She said domestic violence cases also remained an important issue requiring continued attention, with 7,116 cases recorded in 2024 and 7,391 last year.
She said 4,646 domestic violence cases were reported nationwide up to July this year, including 424 cases in Sabah.
She urged victims to speak up, preserve evidence and seek help through the appropriate channels, while encouraging families and communities to support victims without judgement.
