Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill: Employees should be provided with safe and conducive work environment - MEF

SHAH ALAM - Malaysia Employees Federation (MEF) says it supports the passing of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill in Dewan Rakyat.

Its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said it would provide a safer and conducive environment where all staff would be treated equally.

He said apart from safety and health, proper and conducive work enviroinment demanded that all forms of sexual harassment at the workplace must be eliminated.

“MEF will brief its members on the bill to raise awareness and ensure that the members are updated on the latest developments on the Act.

“Furthermore, it is important to stress that sexual harassment especially at the workplace must not be considered trivial,” he said.

Syed Hussain added that if sexual harassment was not being addressed properly, it would have a negative impact on the victims, especially on their mental wellbeing and would lead them to become traumatised.

Thus, he said the MEF Consultant - Industrial Relations was always available to advise members on issues pertaining to sexual harassment at the workplace.

“We conduct regular briefings and trainings for members in raising awareness and educate them on the importance of eradicating sexual harassment at the workplace.

“However, in the event of a sexual harassment occurrence in the workplace, it is best that the victim report the incident to company for it to take immediate action," he said.

He further advised those who were involved in more serious cases to lodge a police report.