Malaysia’s newly established Sexual Harassment Tribunal has seen a lower-than-expected number of cases filed. A deputy minister attributes this to ongoing fear and hesitation among potential victims to come forward with complaints. The tribunal was created to provide a more accessible avenue for addressing sexual harassment outside of traditional court proceedings. Officials believe many individuals are still wary of the process or lack confidence in its effectiveness. This hesitancy highlights the challenges in encouraging reporting of sensitive crimes and ensuring justice for survivors. Further efforts are needed to build trust and awareness of the tribunal’s purpose and protections for complainants. The government is considering strategies to address these concerns and increase utilization of the new legal pathway.
