Victims can now lodge sexual harassment complaints online through e-TAGS, reducing barriers linked to fear, stigma and inconvenience.
KUALA LUMPUR: Victims of sexual harassment can now lodge complaints online through the e-TAGS system, which has been operational since Jan 1.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the digital platform streamlines complaint submission, case management, hearings and record-keeping, making the process faster, easier and paperless.
“When we talk about sexual harassment, it is often associated with words such as embarrassment, fear and stigma,” she said at the launch of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal (TAGS) office and the e-TAGS system.
“Many people still view it as a sensitive issue, causing victims to suppress and hide their experiences instead of seeking justice,” she added.
Nancy said the platform has already been actively used since its introduction, allowing complainants to submit reports online without needing to appear in person.
“People are already using the system because it provides a more convenient way to lodge complaints. Once a complaint is submitted, it will be assessed and the complainant will be informed whether it can proceed,” she said.
She added that complainants must ensure sufficient supporting evidence is provided when filing complaints to strengthen their cases.
Nancy said sexual harassment remains an issue that many victims are reluctant to report due to fear, shame and concerns over lengthy legal processes.
She stressed that sexual harassment should not be treated as a private matter or a joke, but as an issue involving human rights, safety and public wellbeing.
The tribunal, established on March 8, 2024 under the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840), serves as an alternative forum to civil courts for hearing and deciding complaints of sexual harassment in Malaysia.
“The establishment of this tribunal is an important step towards strengthening protection for victims and creating a safer and more respectful society,” she said.
According to statistics, 99 complaints were filed between March 8, 2024 and June 7, 2026. Of these, 80 cases were resolved within 60 days from the first hearing, while 19 remain under review.
Nancy said the tribunal has set a target to resolve cases within 60 days to ensure timely access to justice.
She added that the tribunal currently has 30 members nationwide, with all proceedings conducted in strict confidence.
Where a complaint is proven on the balance of probabilities, the tribunal may issue awards including formal apologies, published apologies, compensation of up to RM250,000, and orders requiring participation in counselling programmes.
She also noted that most complainants are women, although there are also cases involving men, including male-on-male harassment.
“So far, we have not had any cases involving female perpetrators. The perpetrators in the cases received have been men,” she said.
To improve accessibility, the tribunal has been relocated to Menara Aras Raya in Kuala Lumpur, which is more accessible via public transport and includes facilities such as a child witness room.
“I hope the tribunal’s new office and the e-TAGS system will serve as catalysts for a cultural shift towards greater respect for the rights, safety and dignity of every individual,” she added.
