From complaint to compensation: How victims in Malaysia are winning sexual harassment cases

Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (centre) presents a ‘Stop Sexual Harassment’ placard to an Amanita representative after officiating the Zero Tolerance for Violence: Advocacy Against Sexual Harassment and End Violence Against Women programmes in Semporna, Sabah on September 10, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 11 Sep 2026 2:32 PM MYT

SEMPORNA, Sept 11 — The Sexual Harassment Tribunal Agency (Tags) under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) recorded 134 sexual harassment complaints over a two-year period, with 90 of them successfully resolved.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the figures showed that Tags, which was established on March 8, 2024, played an important role as a main avenue for helping victims seek resolution and redress for the incidents they experienced.

“The figure only covers complaints received at KPWKM counters and does not include police reports. Male victims and children can also use this platform to seek redress. So far this year, four male victims have filed cases with the tribunal.

“Some victims have also won their cases and received compensation,” she told reporters after officiating the Semporna Zero Tolerance for Violence: Advocacy Against Sexual Harassment and End Violence Against Women programmes here yesterday.

She said KPWKM continued to provide support through advocacy, education and the provision of easily accessible assistance channels so that victims would not continue to remain silent when faced with sexual harassment.

Elaborating on the domestic violence statistics, Nancy said 4,646 cases had been reported nationwide up to July this year, including 424 cases in Sabah.

“The figures show that women’s safety requires more comprehensive, integrated and sustained action through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” she said.

In addition, Nancy advised victims of violence or sexual harassment to have the courage to speak up through the proper channels and to keep evidence that could assist in the process of seeking redress. — Bernama

* Editor’s note: KPWKM are the Malay initials for the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.