4 October 2022

 

Press statement by Wanita MCA National Chairperson Datuk Heng Seai Kie

 

Passing of Anti-Stalking Bill in Dewan Rakyat: A significant milestone for protection in public especially for women


The Anti-Stalking Bill was passed unanimously in the Dewan Rakyat on 3 October 2022 following two rounds of debate. This Bill will include stalking as a criminal offence, as well as stipulating offences for stalking to ensure that perpetrators do not escape justice. Wanita MCA believes that this is a significant milestone for the protection of public especially women.

 

The Bill is also in line with Wanita MCA’s stance on sexual harassment, whereby individuals of any gender, age, ethnicity, and religion could be victims.

 

According to a research titled “Understanding Malaysians’ Experiences of Stalking” by the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), 36% of Malaysians have experienced stalking which caused them fear. 12% of respondents experienced stalking involving threats of harm, while 17% of respondents experienced stalking which led to actual harm. Without a specific law for stalking offences, perpetrators become emboldened while the victims are helpless.

 

Thus, Wanita MCA hopes that the new law will deter stalkers, empower legislation to act against reported crimes, assure victims with the protection of the law, and make society a safer space for vulnerable including women. This is because stalking can be prevalent and difficult to pinpoint due to how it can happen both in person and through the virtual world/social media. Besides, deterring these predators will also prevent more heinous crimes from developing within our society.

 

Therefore, Wanita MCA is positive and hopeful that this Bill will be passed in the Dewan Negara and for the relevant amendments to be made, so that Malaysian especially women nationwide will be better protected.

-MCA online-