Sexual harassment problem in Malaysia. How to identify sexual harassment and what to do?

In the past week, two women alleged that they were sexually harassed by police officers at roadblocks.

In the first incident, a woman claimed a policeman at Jalan Duta roadblock asked why she was not wearing a bra. He then allegedly asked her to reveal her breasts before threatening to issue a summons if she refused. In her viral Twitter thread, she also included a copy of a police report she lodged over what had transpired.

In another incident, a woman in Penang took to social media to share her experience being stopped by a police officer who took down her details including her phone number. The officer, she said, texted her later to ask to get to know her better.

According to Bukit Aman Integrity and Standards Compliance Departments (JIPS) director, Datuk Zamri Yahya, the police officer in the alleged sexual harassment at Jalan Duta was relieved of roadblock duty. Zamri said while the officer has not been suspended from normal duties, he had been transferred to the administrative division temporarily while investigation was being conducted.

READ: Cop in alleged sexual harassment at Jalan Duta relieved of roadblock duty

Zamri added that Bukit Aman has already been in contact with both complainants to obtain more information on the policemen involved to aid the JIPS investigation.

WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT?

United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women has described sexual harassment as any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favour, verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature, or any other behaviour of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence of humiliation to another.

When such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.

While typically involving a pattern of behaviour, it can take the form of a single incident. Sexual harassment may occur between persons of the opposite or same sex. Both males and females can be either the victims or the offenders.

• Making derogatory or demeaning comments about someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity • Name-calling or using slurs with a gender/sexual connotation • Making sexual comments about appearance, clothing or body parts • Rating a person’s sexuality • Repeatedly asking a person for dates or asking for sex • Staring in a sexually suggestive manner • Unwelcome touching, including pinching, patting, rubbing or purposefully brushing up against a person • Making inappropriate sexual gestures, such as pelvic thrusts • Sharing sexual or lewd anecdotes or jokes • Sending sexually suggestive communications in any format • Sharing or displaying sexually inappropriate images or videos in any format • Attempted or actual sexual assault, including rape

In response to the two incidents of sexual harassment involving police officers, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun has urged the police to promptly investigate allegations of sexual harassment by policemen.

READ: Rina urges police to conduct immediate probe on sexual harassment at roadblocks

However, she is also facing backlash from the opposition, Batu Kawan Member of Parliament Kasthuri Patto who questions the minister, “Where is your voice, Rina Harun?”.

In an opinion piece in Malaysiakini portal dated February 14, she said Rina has not come up with a strong statement to condemn critical cases, apart from a friendly reminder to contact Talian Kasih for those who have been victims of sexual harassment.

“This is clearly not enough, coming from a minister who holds one of the biggest portfolios in the Malaysian Cabinet,” Kasthuri said.

Rina said the Sexual Harassment Bill is expected to be ready this March and will be tabled in the next Dewan Rakyat session. Currently, the draft bill was in the final stage for scrutiny by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

READ: Sexual Harassment Act: Kasthuri Patto disappointed bill still at AGC level