2007: 07 Code to tackle sexual harassment not enough

The Star online. News. Parliament. Tuesday July 10, 2007

SEXUAL harassment at the workplace was a topic of heated discussion in the House with several MPs demanding for more to be done to address the problem.

Datuk Markiman Kobiran (BN – Hulu Langat) said that introducing a code of practice to prevent sexual harassment as presently done was only a half measure.

“Many times, sexual harassment happens at the workplace because of a superior’s action against a weak victim.

“The code (introduced in 1999) is a good effort but is not serious enough to tackle the problem as many victims are suffering silently.

“They can’t protest, complain or fight the action due to

Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar replied that sexual harassment at the workplace had not reached a serious level as only six cases were reported so far this year and 254 cases over the last eight years.

“Nevertheless, we are increasing awareness especially among employers on the need to keep employees safe and secure,” he said, adding the Employment Act could be amended to include a section on sexual harassment.

Fong Po Kuan (DAP – Batu Gajah) criticised Abdul Rahman’s reply, questioning why an Anti-Sexual Harassment Act could not be drafted as including it in the Employment Act would only limit its power.