Don’t misuse pictures of your ex, says Nancy after harassment tribunal ruling upheld

KUALA LUMPUR: People should never misuse intimate or personal photographs taken during a past relationship, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

Her warning came after the High Court on Wednesday (June 10) upheld a ruling by the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (Tags), marking the first time one of the tribunal’s decisions had been challenged in court.

Nancy described the case as an important milestone for the tribunal.

The court upheld the tribunal’s Aug 1, 2024 award in favour of the complainant, ordering the respondent to issue a written apology, attend counselling sessions and pay RM60,000 in compensation.

“It is a very important case for us.

“As a reminder to those who were previously in a relationship, do not misuse any photographs taken with your former partner or friend.

“When the matter was brought to court, the decision favoured the complainant,” she said.

Nancy was speaking after opening the tribunal’s new office in Kuala Lumpur and launching its online complaints system on Thursday.

Tags was established on March 8, 2024, under the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022.

It provides an alternative to the civil courts for sexual harassment cases involving incidents that occurred on or after that date.

As of June 7, a total of 99 complaints had been filed since the tribunal began operating.

Of these, 80 were resolved within 60 days of the first hearing, while another 19 are still being processed.

Nancy said most complainants were women, although some complaints had also been lodged by men.

“We want every victim to come forward and lodge a complaint without fear, shame or being blamed,” she said.

When a complaint is proven on the balance of probabilities, the tribunal may order the respondent to apologise, publish an apology, pay compensation of up to RM250,000 or attend an appropriate programme.

Nancy said sexual harassment was too often dismissed as a joke.

“It is not a trivial matter. It affects a person’s dignity, emotions and safety,” she said.

She added that the government wanted zero tolerance for sexual harassment in workplaces, schools and public spaces.

The tribunal’s online system, e-Tags, has been operating since Jan 1, allowing complaints to be filed and managed online, with fees also payable through the system.

The tribunal relocated to Menara Aras Raya in the city centre last November.

Nancy said the new location was more accessible by public transport, including via the Bandaraya LRT station.

Its office on level 26 also has a dedicated witness room for children.

All hearings are conducted behind closed doors.

The tribunal has appointed 30 members and heard cases nationwide, including proceedings in Sri Aman, Sarawak.

Victims may lodge complaints involving any form of sexual harassment, including verbal, non-verbal, visual, gestural or physical conduct.

For more information, call Talian Kasih at 15999, WhatsApp 019-261 5999 or visit the official Tags portal at etags.kpwkm.gov.my. - THE STAR