Protests break out at local bank branches over harassment, suspension of worker

SHAH ALAM - Protests have erupted at several Maybank branches nationwide after a female employee was allegedly bullied, intimidated and later suspended for filing a sexual harassment report against her male superior.

The bank's employees from across the country have organised protests demanding accountability from the bank.

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been flooded with posts and videos documenting the protests.

An X user, @Erplate_Runner shared a video showing the local bank employees purportedly staging a large-scale protest, which was broadcast live on TikTok.

"Just saw this on TikTok live, Maybank staff in Bercham are holding a massive demonstration. Sexual harassment case!

"The victim reported it but got suspended, while the perpetrator goes unpunished! The world has gone mad," @Erplate_Runner wrote in the caption.

The protests stemmed from an earlier incident reported by the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE), which was seeking justice for the victim who was a Maybank employee at the Bercham, Ipoh branch.

According to NUBE secretary-general J. Solomon, the employee had endured harassment and bullying from her superior since 2021, yet the bank had failed to take appropriate action despite multiple complaints.

Instead of addressing the issue, the bank allegedly shifted its focus to the victim, launching an investigation that was believed to be an attempt to silence her.

After lodging a police report on Aug 16, she was summoned by the bank for an investigative interview on Aug 20.

However, she declined to attend the interview, citing her previous sexual harassment report and requesting union involvement.

The bank then suspended her for "insubordination" placing her on half pay.

Solomon added that the harassment, which was believed to have started in May 2021, included inappropriate messages and photos sent by the victim's superior.

Despite repeated complaints, the bank's only response was to instruct the superior to stop his behaviour.

An X user, @blackenlai28 shared a pamphlet he received at a Maybank branch, which contained information about the incident and the perpetrator.

"I received this pamphlet while I entered Maybank," he wrote.

Another user, @MrKingSomethin commented "They did the same protest in front of Maybank Jalan Ipoh KL yesterday." while @yanganggunn wrote "Even in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, there’s a (similar) demonstration." and @AyamKurma shared a photo of a similar protest held at a Maybank branch in Komtar, Georgetown, Penang.

Meanwhile, @ComicsByVieN wrote "We have cases like this at home. Unfortunately, in a rape culture, the perpetrator is often protected while the victim suffers."

Some of the netizens have praised NUBE's involvement in seeking justice in the matter.

X user @williamtan2020 wrote "Wow, NUBE is ALL IN! I love a citizen-led uprising. It's time to hold those responsible publicly accountable."

NUBE has reaffirmed its commitment to continue protesting until the issue is resolved and has pledged to pursue legal action to ensure justice for the victim.

In response, Maybank recently issued a statement denying the allegations of unfair treatment and harassment raised by NUBE.

In a post on X, the bank asserted that it had taken the necessary steps to address the issue and was currently engaged in legal proceedings with NUBE.