Tribunal issues landmark award for sexual harassment complaint

PETALING JAYA: The Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) has issued an award for its first complaint involving physical sexual harassment by a male employer towards a female employee, says the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

It announced that the award was issued within 60 days from the first hearing date, which was on May 23, in accordance with provisions under Section 19(1) of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840).

The ministry said after considering the evidence and testimony presented, the tribunal found that the complainant had proved that the respondent had sexually harassed her.

“Therefore, TAGS ordered the respondent to issue an apology as requested by the complainant,” the ministry said in a statement yesterday.

Since its gazettement on Oct 18, 2022, the tribunal provides a quick, inexpensive and easy mechanism for victims to seek redress.

Complaints can be filed at the TAGS counter at the ministry or complainants can contact the Talian Kasih helpline at 15999 for any enquiries.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri had said four sexual harassment cases were brought to the tribunal as of June 8.

This followed the enforcement of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 on March 8.

For all four cases, the perpetrators were men aged above 18.

Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid said the landmark decision by the tribunal would encourage victims to come forward and for employers to be responsible over any allegations of harassment.

The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development member said the decision by the tribunal is a monumental step towards justice and societal change.

“The decision will also break down barriers as well as the stigma surrounding sexual harassment cases,” she said when contacted.

More importantly, Syerleena said the decision had delivered a clear directive to employers that it is their “responsibility to guarantee a safer work environment for their employees”.

“This is not just a legal victory; it will ignite a cultural transformation that promotes respect and zero tolerance for harassment,” she added.

All Women’s Action Society (Awam) senior advocacy officer Amanda Shweeta Louis said the award is a milestone in the fight towards accessibility to justice.

“The tribunal has also proved itself to be a powerful and cost-effective way to seek justice while holding perpetrators accountable.

“We hope this sends a clear message that survivors will be heard and no form of sexual harassment will be tolerated.”

Amanda also urged the ministry to expedite the implementation of the e-filing system.

It was reported in March that the ministry had planned to develop an e-filing system for complainants.

Association of Women Lawyers president Daniella Zulkifli said that the current reporting system would require people to travel all the way to Putrajaya to lodge a report.

Daniella said the tribunal was formed to facilitate complaints and having an e-filing system would provide better access to TAGS.

Another important aspect that should have been included in the Act in relation to TAGS is that there must be protection against victimisation for those who report any sexual harassment, she added.