KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 10 — Victims of online sexual harassment have been urged to report incidents to the authorities, said Deputy Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu.
Online sexual harassment cases are increasing, due to the rapid growth of advanced communication gadgets and social media.
Therefore, victims should come forward and report to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police, to curb these crimes from spreading, she said.
“Sexual harassment is not limited to physical encounters; it has also spread online due to the influence of gadgets and social media.
“Netizen comments on social media can also be a form of sexual harassment. If the victim feels uncomfortable, they can report it to the MCMC and the police for further action,” Aiman Athirah said at the Terengganu-level Jerayawara Kasih KPWKM@Advokasi Antigangguan Seksual, an anti-sexual harassment advocacy roadshow, earlier today.
Meanwhile, the deputy minister said there were only 14 sexual harassment cases reported in Terengganu last year, one of which involved a child.
She warned this situation should be taken seriously, because the effects on the victims can be long-lasting.
“Last year, there were 477 sexual harassment cases recorded, but we suspect the actual number is higher because of underreporting,” Aiman Athirah said.
Terengganu is the eighth location for the roadshow, and it will continue in five more locations, namely Sabah, Kedah, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor, before the end of this year.
— Bernama
