PETALING JAYA: Obscene jokes are a criminal offence under Section 509 of the Penal Code and can be punished with up to five years in prison, a fine, or both if convicted.
In a Utusan Malaysia report, Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said there was still a perception that jokes with sexual innuendoes are normal, but the reality is that it violates the dignity of the victim.
She said that this perception posed a challenge in addressing sexual misconduct, normalising it as something ordinary within society.
"One of the challenges in tackling sexual harassment is the perception of some perpetrators who view such behaviour as harmless jokes that do not offend," she said.
"However, the reality is that when a victim feels uncomfortable with sexual innuendoes or behaviour, it can be classified as sexual harassment," she added.
The report said more than 85 per cent of sexual harassment cases reported annually in Malaysia involve women, 88 per cent of these cases occurring in the workforce.
Police recorded 506 cases of sexual harassment in 2021, followed by a slight decline to 477 cases in 2022. However, this number rose again to 522 cases in 2023.
As of August last year, a total of 442 sexual harassment cases were reported, involving both male and female victims, with the majority being women.
Nancy said data obtained from the Labour Department found that sexual harassment cases were frequently reported in the manufacturing, construction, and other service sectors.
"Sexual harassment can occur in any industry, but changing cultural norms and attitudes, especially in the workplace, are key steps to effectively address this issue," she said.
"Therefore, the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry introduced the Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) as an alternative platform for individuals to file complaints related to sexual harassment.
"Through the Women's Development Department, the ministry has also developed guidelines as a reference and is actively implementing advocacy programmes focusing on prevention and awareness of this issue," she said.
Nancy also noted that the Sexual Harassment Tribunal has been established as an alternative to facilitate the handling of sexual harassment complaints quickly, easily, and cost-effectively.
"It provides a platform for victims of sexual harassment, regardless of gender, to seek compensation.
"Among its goals is to ensure that complaints are processed through hearings that are transparent, fair, and free from any prejudice."
"This step directly increases public trust in the complaint process, with the assurance that every case will be handled with integrity and justice."
She also urged victims of sexual harassment to come forward and file complaints through the tribunal to ensure that their voices are heard and their complaints are taken seriously.