KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021 is scheduled to be tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff said the ministry had earlier established a special project team to draft the bill.
"The team consists of government agencies; academicians and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who have expertise, knowledge and experience on issues related to sexual harassment.
"The ministry also held consultation sessions with other stakeholders such as the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), student leaders from tertiary education institutions and several ministries and government departments to assist in the process of finalising the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill," she said.
At a press conference held at the Dewan Rakyat media room, Siti Zailah said the discussions found five main elements that will be included in the Bill such as a comprehensive and applicable term of sexual harassment.
"A wider application of the law, regardless of the offence occurring in the workplace or anywhere else; and improvement of the existing legal system in handling sexual harassment complaints through the establishment of special tribunals.
"Standards of proof on sexual harassment conduct in the tribunal which adopts balance of probabilities evidence; and providing redress to the victim through the provision of appropriate remedies that are not only punitive and instructive to the respondent only," she said.
Siti Zailah said the Bill is important to address sexual harassment which is a violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence.
"The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021 also aims to raise awareness to all parties on sexual harassment so that this matter is not normalised and to contribute towards the creation of a safe environment for society, especially women.
"The ministry will continue to engage with stakeholders, including members of Parliament, to convey a clear message on structural reforms through the enactment of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill which will address legal gaps and improve the existing justice system," she said.