KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has lauded the Dewan Rakyat for the passing of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021, asserting that the law will lead to a more conducive and proper work environment.
Its president Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman said that while the federation “supports and appreciates” the passing of the bill, employers must also play their part in informing staff members on the new law.
“Employers, whether big or small, must make an effort to raise awareness and educate their staff on anti-sexual harassment policies,” he said in a statement today.
He assured that the federation will also brief its members to ensure they are kept updated on the act’s latest developments.
Syed Hussain added that sexual harassment, especially at the workplace, should not be trivialised as brushing aside the issue can negatively impact victims’ mental wellbeing and cause trauma that can disrupt their productivity and lives.
“MEF believes that employers must provide a safe place of work and conducive environment where all staff are treated equally. (Such an environment) demands that all forms of sexual harassment be eradicated and eliminated.”
Noting that a majority of members have already introduced in-house policies on sexual harassment, he pointed out that the tribunal established under the act will be empowered to award compensation and order defendants to issue an official apology to complainants.
“Among the penalties that the tribunal may award include compensation to be paid to the complainant not exceeding RM250,000,” he said, adding that defendants who fail to comply with the tribunal’s decision can be fined or sentenced to jail.
“The respondents can only challenge the compensations awarded by the tribunal by filing an appeal at the high court on the basis of serious irregularity.”
On Wednesday, the Dewan Rakyat passed the legislation after more than a decade’s work on the legal document, which began its journey in 2011.
The bill, containing four parts, four chapters, and 27 clauses, was passed via a voice vote and is expected to provide a concrete means of handling sexual harassment in Malaysia.
Previously, there were no laws focusing on the problem. – The Vibes, July 22, 2022
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