KUALA LUMPUR – The Dewan Rakyat passed the anti-stalking bill following a voice vote after its third reading today.
Deputy Law Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin tabled the bill to amend the Penal Code, with its first reading done on August 4.
The amendment aims to introduce a new sub-section, namely 507A, as it is tough at the moment to prove stalking as a crime under Section 507 of Penal Code.
Based on the proposed provision, any person who repeatedly harasses another person with the intent or knowledge that the act will cause distress, fear, or alarm to their safety will be deemed to have committed the offence of stalking.
During the second reading earlier, Mas Ermieyati said the criminalisation of stalking will not only assist authorities in curbing the issue, but also save lives.
She said the amendment will serve as a form of prevention before stalking can occur and reduce the risk of aggressive reactions while protecting the victims.
Citing figures from the Women’s Aid Organisation’s study “Understanding Malaysians’ Experiences Of Stalking”, Mas Ermieyati said it found that 36% of Malaysians have been stalked and felt fear, while 12% have received threats, and 17% have sustained injuries due to being stalked.
“69% of Malaysians believe that stalking is a criminal offence.
“The research also found that stalking and harassment has negative effects towards the victim’s life in terms of economic, social, recreational, and matters of childcare,” she said.
The bill describes the act of harassment to include following or communicating with a person through any manner or means, loitering at the person’s place of residence or business, and giving or sending anything to the person.
Mas Ermieyati also said repeated online stalking would be considered a crime under the amendment as it could disturb the victim mentally and emotionally. – The Vibes, October 3, 2022
