KUALA LUMPUR – A policy paper – together with proposed amendments to the law – to criminalise stalking is expected to be tabled in the cabinet next month.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the amendment will be tabled in Parliament, after obtaining the approval of the cabinet.
“The government has given a commitment to make stalking a crime in this country. Efforts to make stalking a crime have started since 2019 when an Anti-Stalking Committee was set up.
“Since early 2020, draft amendments to the law (amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code) have been prepared by the Anti-Stalking Committee led by the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU), with the involvement of other government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs),” she said in a statement today.
Mas Ermieyati said she will hold meetings with MPs, government agencies, and NGOs on the matter to raise awareness about the effects of such an act on society.
Mas Ermieyati said a meeting organised by BHEUU was held in Parliament yesterday to discuss the matter.
It was attended by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Royal Malaysia Police, Attorney-General’s Chambers, Malaysian Bar Council, and representatives from NGOs including the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), as well as academicians.
“During the meeting, three victims of stalking shared their experiences and how they were left unprotected due to gaps in the existing laws.
“WAO also submitted a memorandum signed by 52 groups, and a petition supported by more than 8,500 people, urging the government to immediately criminalise stalking,” she said. – Bernama, November 3, 2021
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