Nancy: Sexual harassment cases involving male victims have recorded a significant rise, with more than 1,000 reports received through the complaints counter at the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development since 2024, said Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a similar upward trend was also recorded in statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), indicating the effectiveness of the ministry's advocacy programme in encouraging victims to come forward and lodge reports. Nancy stated that physical sexual harassment reported by male victims included unwanted physical contact involving certain parts of the body. She cited an incident at a shopping complex where a male victim was approached and held from behind by a male salesperson as he was about to enter the fitting room.
Based on complaints received by the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS), a total of three cases involving male victims were recorded, with some already resulting in award orders. Meanwhile, regarding an alleged sexual harassment case involving a district police chief in Sarawak, Nancy mentioned that the case is still under police investigation. The ministry commends the courage of the officer involved for reporting the case and will continue to monitor its development closely.
Nancy also addressed sexual harassment cases involving children at home, urging family members to take all complaints from children seriously, especially when involving a close family member. She emphasized the importance of listening to children, as they may fear being accused of making up stories. Through the advocacy programme, children are becoming aware of their rights and are using alternative channels to lodge complaints, such as contacting Talian Kasih 15999 or utilizing technology like AI and ChatGPT.
Earlier, Nancy highlighted that as of April 26, 92 complaints had been filed with TAGS, with 69 successfully resolved, showcasing the tribunal's effectiveness in expediting justice for victims. She noted that PDRM statistics revealed a concerning upward trend, with sexual harassment cases rising from 477 in 2022 to 1,038 in 2025, indicating the increasing seriousness of the issue and the need for firm action and greater public awareness.