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Victims of online sexual harassment can bring their cases to the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal to seek justice, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching
In conjunction with International Women's Day yesterday, 8 March, Teo reminded the public about the tribunal, which was established in March 2024 to handle sexual harassment complaints.
Under the tribunal, victims can represent themselves without a lawyer, and cases brought before it must be resolved within 60 days.
"If this harassment happens online, according to the law, we can actually go to the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal and the judge will decide whether it constitutes sexual harassment.
"They will determine whether an apology is needed, or in some cases, whether a monetary award should be given," Teo said during her speech at a DAP Wanita Selangor programme yesterday, reported Bernama.
However, she acknowledged that pursuing cases involving online harassment remains challenging, particularly when perpetrators hide behind anonymous accounts
Teo noted that unlike physical harassment, where the perpetrator is often known, online abusers frequently use fake profile pictures or anonymous identities, making it difficult for victims to take legal action.
"When someone says something very sexist to us online, how does a victim even begin legal proceedings when the abuser has no face, no name and no accountability?" she said.
She added that addressing the issue requires greater legal awareness among victims, as well as stronger accountability from tech platforms and artificial intelligence developers.
Meanwhile, Teo also launched a free legal advisory programme under DAP Wanita Selangor, offering initial consultations with a panel of 10 lawyers on issues affecting women and children
Teo said the initiative was introduced as many women in Malaysia have yet to achieve strong financial independence.
"In Malaysia, women's labour force participation rate is around 56.9%, compared to about 80% for men. This means that some women are still not fully independent, particularly in terms of finances and economic security.
"In many cases of domestic violence, financial position also plays a role," she said, as quoted by Berita RTM.
For now, the service is open only to women in Selangor who do not already have a lawyer. The assistance focuses on family law matters, including child custody, probate, and letters of administration.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9.30am – 4.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9am – 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4390698
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6082-422660
SMS/WhatsApp: +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 2pm)
Contact: +6088-280200
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6016-2273065 | +6016-7213065
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
8. HEAL
Contact: 15555
