Malaysia’s fight against sexual harassment is gaining momentum, with the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) receiving 99 complaints since its establishment in March 2024. According to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, 80 of these cases have already been resolved, many within the tribunal’s targeted 60-day timeframe.

The latest update comes alongside a significant case involving the misuse of an ex-partner’s photographs online, after a tribunal ruing in favour of a victim was upheld by the High Court. Following the decision, Nancy reminded the public that sharing or misusing someone’s private images without consent can amount to sexual harassment and should not be taken lightly.

Online Harassment Is Not “Just a Private Matter”

The case highlights a growing reality in the digital age: harassment is no longer limited to physical spaces.

Acts such as sharing intimate photographs, posting humiliating content, sending unwanted sexual messages, or using someone’s images to embarrass or intimidate them online can have serious emotional and psychological consequences.

Victims often assume there is little they can do, especially when the harassment comes from a former partner. However, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 provides legal avenues for victims to seek redress through TAGS, which was created to offer a faster and more accessible process than traditional court proceedings.

Credit: Bernama

More Victims Are Coming Forward

The tribunal’s latest statistics suggest that awareness is increasing.

As of June 7, 2026, TAGS had received 99 complaints. The cases involve both female and male victims, demonstrating that sexual harassment can affect anyone regardless of gender.

Earlier reports also showed that workplace-related complaints remain among the most common, with co-workers accounting for a large proportion of reported cases.

What Can TAGS Do?

The tribunal has the authority to hear complaints of sexual harassment and may order remedies such as:

• Compensation or damages of up to RM250,000

• Public or private apologies

• Participation in educational or rehabilitation programmes

• Other appropriate remedies depending on the circumstances

Importantly, sexual harassment is not limited to physical acts. Malaysian law recognises unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that is verbal, non-verbal, visual, gestural, or physical, provided it is offensive, humiliating, or threatening to the victim’s wellbeing.

A Stronger Message for the Digital Age

The recent tribunal ruling serves as a reminder that the end of a relationship does not give anyone the right to misuse another person's photographs, personal information, or private content.

As more Malaysians become aware of their rights, experts hope the tribunal will continue to encourage victims to come forward and seek justice.

In an era where a single post can spread across the internet within seconds, respect for consent and personal boundaries remains just as important online as it is offline.