Sexual Jokes Are A Criminal Offence Punishable By Up To 5 Years In Prison
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri reminded the public that sexual innuendos actually violate the dignity of the victim.
By May Vin Ang — 07 Jan 2025, 04:30 PM
Obscene jokes can be considered a criminal offence under Section 509 of the Penal Code, punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine, or both, if convicted
According to the New Straits Times, Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri reminded the public that while sexual innuendos are often perceived as normal, they actually violate the dignity of the victim.
She said this perception poses a challenge in addressing sexual misconduct, as people become mistakenly accepting of sexual jokes in society.
"One of the challenges in tackling sexual harassment is the perception of some perpetrators who view such behaviour as harmless jokes that do not offend.
"However, the reality is that when a victim feels uncomfortable with sexual innuendos or behaviour, it can be classified as sexual harassment," she said.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Image via Bernama/New Straits TimesShe added that more than 85% of sexual harassment cases reported annually in Malaysia involve women, with 88% of these cases occurring at the workplace
Nancy said data obtained from the Labour Department found that sexual harassment cases were frequently reported in the manufacturing, construction, and other service sectors.
"Sexual harassment can occur in any industry, but changing cultural norms and attitudes, especially in the workplace, are key steps to effectively address this issue," she said.
The police recorded 506 cases of sexual harassment in 2021, 477 cases in 2022, and 522 in 2023.
As of August last year, a total of 442 cases of sexual harassment were reported, with the majority involving women.
Nancy added that her ministry has introduced the Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) as a platform for individuals to file police reports
She also explained that a Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment has been established to simplify the complaint process.
"It provides a platform for victims of sexual harassment, regardless of gender, to seek compensation.
"Among its goals is to ensure that complaints are processed through hearings that are transparent, fair, and free from any prejudice," she said.
The minister encouraged victims to utilise the tribunal to file complaints, assuring that their voices will be heard and taken seriously.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm - 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am - 11.30am), Saturday (2pm - 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm - 12am)
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
It took over a decade of discussions for the Dewan Rakyat to finally pass the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill in 2022:
