SEXUAL harassment is one of the most pressing issues faced by both genders – men and women – both victim and the aggressor, have been placed in the limelight by many social movements as well as government agencies.
Now, in the bid to tackle sexual harassment through law and order, exco for Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Non-Islamic Affairs Chong Eng, on behalf of the Penang government, urged the federal government to enact the Sexual Harassment Act.
According to Chong Eng, based on the statistics given by the Public Service Department, there were 47 cases of sexual harassment reported from year 2015 to 2017 and 64 cases reported by the private sector to the Human Resource Ministry for the same period of time.
“Though the number of cases seem to be small if we look at studies conducted across the world, 70% to 90% of the victims do not report their cases.
“The recent cases which happened in a hospital in the Klang Valley and at an optical outlet in Kuala Lumpur exhibit the seriousness of sexual harassment. The public showed their disgust towards these incidents through social media.
“Sexual harassment is rampant due to the lack of awareness among members of the public on what kind of acts constitute sexual harassment.What some people consider as an acceptable behaviour might cause others to feel uncomfortable, therefore they will feel sexually harassed,” said Chong Eng during a press conference held at the state assembly today.
Chong Eng also mentioned that the culture of being prejudiced towards women or girls (misogyny) could also worsen the situation whereby the offenders can harass any woman without any conscience.
“There are many reasons as to why it is hard for victims to share their experiences, firstly they are fearful of the consequences of exposing the harassers, for instance victims at the workplace. They might fear of losing their job or get demoted.
“Another thing is, the feeling of shame and also a sense of hopelessness and helplessness which could lead to depression,” added Chong Eng.
Chong Eng who is also the chairperson of Penang Women Development Corporation highlighted the urgency of having a written law that encompasses all the elements of sexual harassment.
“In this, the Penang state government aims to ensure that the federal government enact a Sexual Harassment Act to guarantee full respect for human rights,” affirmed Chong Eng.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alvie Cheng