KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Service Department (PSD) has approved the appointment of tribunal members related to the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840), the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry received official approval from the department yesterday.
"The establishment of this tribunal aims to provide an alternative platform to improve the legal system and the handling of sexual harassment complaints quickly, easily and at minimal cost.
"This tribunal also provides a platform for the right of redress for victims who have been sexually harassed," she said in reply to a question from Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang).
Wong had asked for the latest status of the establishment of the tribunal.
Nancy said the act is being enforced in stages from March 28.
"The first phase of the enforcement of this act involves the advocacy of sexual harassment to the public while the establishment of the tribunal is in the second phase."
She added at present, the focus is to increase awareness and understanding to the public regarding the act and the seriousness of issues involving sexual harassment.
"This is being translated to the advocacy programmes being held in every state."
To a supplementary question by Wong on whether the tribunal would be established in every state, Nancy said; "For a start and for the time being, the tribunal is to be established in Kuala Lumpur.
"However, we will scrutinise the matter should there be a need for it to be established in other states in the future."
