(Kuching, 12th) The Federal Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri, calls on society to change its silent attitude towards sexual harassment issues and openly discuss these issues without fear or shame.
She pointed out that if anyone finds that someone around them is being treated inappropriately, they should bravely intervene or report it. Everyone has the ability to create a safer environment.
She stated that online harassment is becoming increasingly serious, especially with the frequent activity of young people on social media, making them the main victims.
She revealed that harassers typically use social platforms to carry out various behaviors, including sending inappropriate messages, digital surveillance, and illegally distributing images.
Nonetheless, she expressed confidence in the potential of university students, seeing them as an important force for reform and future leaders who will focus more on issues of sexual violence and harassment.
Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri made these remarks when interviewed at an event organized by UNIMAS to eradicate sexual harassment and violence, stating that the ministry has established a single social support center to provide psychological counseling, protection, and support services to students in need.
She noted that the ministry has also launched a volunteer program focusing on the prevention of violence against women.
She disclosed that as of now, the program has over 336,000 registered members, with female members accounting for 260,899 (77.51%), and male members 75,691 (22.49%).
She said that to enhance public awareness of sexual harassment issues, the ministry has launched a series of awareness campaigns on social media. These activities include the use of special hashtags and collaborations with well-known influencers to expand the reach of the message.
“To facilitate the public in reporting online harassment cases, the ministry has promoted the Careline 15999 as a platform for victims to seek help and report incidents.”
In addition, regarding the case where a newborn in Petaling Jaya died due to severe malformation, and the hospital "detained" the baby's remains, Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri pointed out that since this case does not fall under her department's jurisdiction, the police are currently investigating. Everything is fully entrusted to the police investigation.
“I can only say that this case does not fall under our department’s work scope, it is the police’s responsibility, and we cannot interfere.”
She said that the true situation is not yet known and can only be finally confirmed through a police investigation.