KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021, which was passed in the Dewan Negara yesterday, will be enforced in phases after receiving the approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
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Women, family and community development minister Rina Harun said this would start with advocacy – to provide awareness, education and understanding about the bill to the community – carried out through a nationwide tour.
“What is unique is that the bill, which has 27 clauses, may take effect in phases, depending on which needs to be enforced first.
“Once it is gazetted, we will establish the rules and guidelines,” she told the media at the Parliament building.
Rina also said the anti-sexual harassment tribunal, provided for in the bill, would start in the Klang Valley and will expand to other states and districts as and when needed.
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She said the tribunal may sit anywhere and at any time.
Its panel shall comprise a president and a deputy president appointed from among members of the legal and judicial services.
“There will be no less than five other members consisting of people who are members or have held positions in the judicial or legal service, and have no less than seven years of experience,” she said.– FMT