Sabah: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has been commended for its proactive efforts nationwide in raising awareness about sexual harassment.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, highlighted that sexual harassment can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, or religion, and is often perpetrated by someone known to the victim. He emphasized that many victims remain silent due to social pressure or ignorance about available support mechanisms. Dr Joachim urged victims to utilize the Sexual Harassment Redress Tribunal (TAGS) introduced by KPWKM, which offers a fast and low-cost alternative for addressing sexual harassment complaints.
Dr Joachim further stated the collective responsibility in creating a safe environment and supporting victims in seeking justice during the closing ceremony of the KPWKM Kembara Kasih 2025 programme and the handing over of the anti-sexual harassment notice. KPWKM Deputy Secretary-G
eneral (Operations), Farah Adura Hamidi, was also present at the event.
He expressed concern over the rising trend of sexual harassment cases in Malaysia, noting that 788 cases were reported last year compared to 522 in 2023. As of March this year, 214 cases have already been recorded, with five of them occurring in Sabah.
Dr Joachim acknowledged the positive impact of the KPWKM Kembara Kasih 2025 programme, which spanned six districts across Sabah, beginning in Tuaran on May 16 and concluding in Tawau. The programme delivered concrete benefits to key target groups in Sabah, particularly women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, through 34 initiatives.
Programmes like Ziarah Kasih, which provide direct aid to clients of the Social Welfare Department and the National Population and Family Development Board, garnered strong support from the local community. Dr Joachim concluded by highlighting that such initiatives reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of its c
itizens.