A recent case came to light involving a female employee at an electronics factory in Melaka, who alleged she was sexually harassed by her department manager.
She claimed the harassment included being inappropriately touched and hugged without consent, and having her bra strap pulled.
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The manager was only issued a warning
The woman later filed a formal complaint with the Human Resources (HR) department, but instead of proper action being taken, she was transferred to a different department, while the manager in question was only issued a final warning.
In a Facebook post, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung voiced his disappointment over the incident, calling it “a clear form of discrimination against the victim.”
“I received a complaint from the Southern Region Electronics Industry Workers Union (KSIEWSSM) regarding a case of sexual harassment and discrimination involving a female union member employed at an electronics factory in Batu Berendam, Melaka. This is a clear case of discrimination and raises serious concerns about the company’s commitment to worker safety and human rights,” he wrote.
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“Everyone deserves to have their dignity respected”
Lee also shared that the victim had appealed to the Department of Labour, filed a police report, and brought her case to the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal under the 2022 Sexual Harassment Act.
“I want to make it clear that the unity government takes any claims of sexual harassment at work very seriously. Everyone deserves to have their rights and dignity respected, no matter their gender or position.”
As a Member of Parliament, Lee expressed his disappointment over the ordeal the victim had faced, and proposed that the government consider introducing an anonymous complaint mechanism that would allow complainants to check investigation updates and communicate with authorities without revealing their identities unless they choose to.
“Still, I believe the Ministry of Human Resources, especially the Department of Labour, is serious about making workplaces safer and looking after workers. A feature like an ‘anonymous response mailbox’ would really help victims and witnesses who are still too scared to come forward because they fear backlash.”
He added that he’ll be working together with the Southern Region Electronics Industry Workers Union to send an official letter to the Ministry of Human Resources, suggesting the new reporting system.
“I’ve already met with the Department of Labour and someone from KESUMA to talk about this, and I’m confident that stricter action will be taken. I really hope the Ministry takes this case seriously. If the claims are true, justice needs to be done and a clear message sent that workers’ rights matter,” he said.
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Also read: 43yo Penang Doctor Arrested for 4th Time After Being Accused of Molesting Another Female Patient
