KOTA BARU: The implementation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021 is not to replace the existing law but to improve its system.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun said the new Bill proved that the government, especially the ministry was committed in helping victims of sexual harassment.
"The Bill was tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today and its second reading will be tabled in the next session.
"The new Bill is not aimed at replacing the present justice system but more towards improvng it so that it will cover all areas and not only workplaces," she told reporters after launching the state-level entrepreneur courses for the "MyKasih Kapital" programme here today.
Rina said her ministry would conduct engagement sessions with government agencies, academicians, non-governmental organisations (NGO) as well as those who have expertise on issues related to sexual harassment.
"Sexual harassment occurs everywhere and it even happened during the Covid-19 pandemic period. Hence, it is important for the ministry to prevent it from happening," she said.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff tabled the Bill for its first reading in Dewan Rakyat today.
Siti Zailah said the Bill was important to address sexual harassment which is a violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence.
She added the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021 also aims to raise awareness on sexual harassment so that it will not be normalised and will contribute towards the creation of a safe environment for society, especially women.
On today's programme, Rina said it was aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"In Kelantan alone, more than 4,000 participants took part in the programme and they have received RM500 each to help build up their businesses.
"Under the programme, women entrepreneurs are also trained and encouraged to generate income from home," she added.
A total of 106 participants from the state took part in the programme today.
Also present was State Welfare, Family and Women Development committee chairman Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi.