Malaysia recorded 388 sexual harassment cases in the first five months of 2026, as authorities continue efforts to encourage victims to come forward and seek justice.
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Lim Hui Ying said police data showed reported sexual harassment cases have been on the rise, increasing from 477 cases in 2022 to 1,038 cases in 2025.
She said the upward trend reflects not only the prevalence of such incidents but also growing public awareness and greater willingness among victims and communities to break the culture of silence.
“Most cases occur in the workplace and involve individuals who have family ties to the victim. Feelings of shame or concerns over careers and family relationships may still prevent many victims from lodging reports,” she said.
Lim urged employers, colleagues and family members to support victims, noting that sexual harassment affects both women and men, although male victims account for a smaller number of cases.
She stressed that sexual harassment is a serious form of misconduct that undermines a victim’s dignity, emotional well-being and quality of life and should never be normalised.
Meanwhile, Lim said the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) had received 100 complaints as of June 15, with 82 cases resolved within 60 days of the first hearing.
The tribunal’s performance demonstrates its effectiveness in providing quicker access to justice for victims, she added.
The ministry, through the Women’s Development Department, is also rolling out advocacy programmes under the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan 2025-2030 to strengthen women’s participation in national security and development.
Lim called on all stakeholders to intensify awareness efforts on sexual harassment, personal safety and prevention, warning that unresolved cases could escalate into more serious forms of violence that threaten social harmony.
She added that integrated support services, including counselling and psychosocial assistance, are available through Talian Kasih 15999, which operates around the clock, as well as local social support centres nationwide.
