Rise in Sexual Harassment Cases: Government Urged to Expand Awareness and Action

Dr. Joachim speaking during the event

24 May 2025

TAWAU: Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, has expressed deep concern over the significant rise in sexual harassment cases nationwide, calling for a more concerted and serious effort from all parties to address the issue.

According to Dr Joachim, statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) indicate that 477 sexual harassment cases were recorded in 2022. This rose to 522 in 2023 and surged further to 788 cases throughout 2024.

“As of March 2025 alone, 214 cases have already been reported, with five of them occurring in Sabah,” he said during the closing ceremony of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development’s (KPWKM) Kembara Kasih 2025 programme at the Tawau Sports Complex Indoor Hall last night.

Dr Joachim stated that the sharp increase underscores the severity of sexual harassment in Malaysia and highlights the urgent need to raise public awareness and strengthen support systems for victims.

“Sexual harassment is an immoral act that can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, race or religion. It must be prevented from an early stage as, if left unchecked, it can lead to more serious crimes such as rape and violence against women,” he said.

He welcomed the KPWKM’s initiative in introducing the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) as an alternative channel to civil courts, providing a faster, simpler, and lower-cost process for lodging complaints.

Last night’s event also witnessed the presentation of Anti-Sexual Harassment Notices to various departments and agencies, symbolising the government's commitment to combating such offences.

Dr Joachim also urged more victims to come forward to report incidents and seek justice.

“Violence against women is not an isolated issue. Many victims still fear speaking out due to stigma, social pressure, or simply not knowing where to turn for help. It is our collective responsibility to create a safe environment and empower victims to stand up for themselves,” he stressed.

Earlier, he praised the success of the Kembara Kasih KPWKM 2025 programme, which toured six districts across Sabah, including Tuaran, Papar, Penampang, Lahad Datu, Kunak, and concluded in Tawau.

A total of 34 programmes involving various agencies under the ministry were carried out during the tour, focusing on vulnerable groups such as women, children, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (OKU).

Initiatives such as Ziarah Kasih, which delivers aid directly to clients of the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), also received positive feedback from local communities.

Among those present at the ceremony were Deputy Secretary-General (Operations) of KPWKM, Farah Adura Hamidi, representing the Minister; Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Apas, Datuk Haji Abu Bakar Titingan; Member of Parliament for Tawau, Datuk Lo Su Fui; Chairman of the Sabah Forestry Development Authority and ADUN for Balung, Datuk Hamild Awang; Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance and ADUN for Kukusan, Datuk Rina Haji Jainal; and Director-General of the Department for Women’s Development, Hanani Sapit, along with senior officers from relevant ministries and departments.

Dr Joachim, who was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Linda Ewit, also extended his appreciation to the organisers for selecting Sabah as this year’s Kembara Kasih destination.