A total of 388 sexual harassment cases were recorded in the first five months of this year, according to the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.
Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying said the figure was based on statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), which also showed an increase from 477 cases in 2022 to 1,038 cases in 2025.
She said the rise in reported cases reflects not only an increase in incidents but also growing public awareness and courage among victims to come forward and break the silence.
Most of the cases, she noted, occur in workplaces and often involve individuals who have existing personal or family relationships with victims, which can make reporting more difficult due to fear, shame or concerns over career and relationships.
Lim urged employers, colleagues and family members to provide stronger support systems for victims, stressing that sexual harassment is not limited to women, although male victims remain significantly fewer.
She said sexual harassment is a serious misconduct that affects dignity, emotional well-being and social harmony, and must never be normalised in society.
As of June 15, the Sexual Harassment Tribunal (TAGS) had received 100 complaints, with 82 cases resolved within 60 days after the first hearing, highlighting the efficiency of the system in delivering faster access to justice.
The ministry is also strengthening advocacy efforts through the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda under the National Action Plan 2025–2030, aimed at enhancing the role of women in safety and national development.
Lim added that unaddressed early-stage issues could escalate into more serious forms of violence, and stressed the need for a society-wide commitment to building zero tolerance against sexual harassment.
She also highlighted government support services, including counselling and psychosocial assistance through the 24-hour Talian Kasih 15999 hotline and local social support centres for those in need.
