KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat today passed amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code that make stalking a criminal offence.
The bill, earlier tabled for second reading by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh, was passed by voice vote after a debate involving members of parliament from both sides of the divide.
The amendments will see a new section — Section 507A — inserted into the Penal Code to provide for the offence of stalking.
Anyone found guilty of the offence is liable to a maximum sentence of three years' imprisonment or a fine or both.
"The rationale for amending the act is to make stalking an offence because it can cause fear and worry and reach a level where the victim can be injured or cause death.
"Amendments to the act take into account the views of every level of society and engagement sessions, including some victims," said Ramkarpal.
He said stalking can have serious implications for the victim's mental health as a result of being harassed and stalked for a long period of time.