Men encouraged to report sexual harassment to TAGS, says Nancy Shukri

Nancy (right) fields questions from the media at the event.

By Tedong Rantayy

MIRI, Sept 19: Men facing sexual harassment are encouraged to lodge reports with the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS), according to Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.

Nancy stated that although TAGS has received limited responses from male victims so far, the platform is open to everyone facing harassment, regardless of gender.

“So far, we haven’t received any reports directly from men, but there have been a few over-the-counter reports,” Nancy said when asked about male victims’ response to TAGS.

“Our counselors are available to provide assistance. Initially, when we started hearing about this from the police, there were only 12 cases, but now the number has increased to hundreds. About 30 percent of the cases involve men.”

She emphasised that TAGS serves as a channel for anyone experiencing sexual harassment to seek help and ensure their voices are heard.

Nancy was speaking to reporters after launching the Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy Outreach Programme, part of the ministry’s Kembara Kasih initiative, in Bekenu on Thursday.

The outreach programme aims to raise awareness of sexual harassment and provide victims with the resources and support needed to lodge reports and pursue justice.

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Health Malaysia Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, who is also the Sibuti Member of Parliament, and Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Development Datuk Rosey Yunus. — DayakDaily