KUALA LUMPUR: A non-governmental organisation working to protect women advises those who are being stalked to report it to the authorities as their safety is of the utmost priority.
All Women's Action Society (Awam) deputy president Dr Ng May Yee said they encourage people to embrace their gut feelings, where if they feel uncomfortable, to reach out to the authorities for protection.
She said a woman who feels threatened by any unwanted attention can take action in three stages and protect herself under Section 507 of the Penal Code which makes stalking an offence.
"Victims should collect all the information in regards to the stalker both visually and on paper. The next move would be to file a report with the authorities and finally, to secure a court order.
"Keep a record of the stalking behaviour, both visually and on paper, can help the survivor to recall the incident accurately when making a report to the authorities."
Ng added that the victim should also, if possible, secure an eyewitness when dealing with the authorities as well as informing trusted acquaintances and family members of the situation.
"This is to ensure that someone else is fully aware of the situation and will be able to assist the investigation if needed."
Ng said, in obtaining a court order, the victim can apply for a protection order ex parte to the court.
"The order may be granted against a person who is suspected of stalking. However, the complainant may need to consider the legal cost. Legal aid is not available in this matter."
Commenting on the stalking case of a female Malaysian photographer who goes by Acacia Diana, she said that the victim needs to make a fresh report as the 2018 report as five years have lapsed.
"The woman may also contact other authorities such as the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) or a third party organisation like CyberSecurity Malaysia's MyCERT to support the investigation."
Ng said the Anti Sexual Harassment Act must be implemented quickly to help victims on such matters.
"(This is so victims of SH (sexual harassment) may seek legal redress on their own at a tribunal rather than having to rely on the AG (attorney-general) to initiate prosecution.
"We urge the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to set up a tribunal as quickly as possible."
Yesterday, the New Straits Times reported that Acacia Diana had taken to social media in an attempt to stop years of cyber sexual harassment on top of relentless stalking by a man.
Her posts were widely circulated overnight and garnered much attention from social media users.
She had told the NST that the stalker had begun harassing her in 2016 by leaving comments on her blog.
According to the chronology of events compiled and sighted by the NST, the man started to stalk Acacia in 2017 by following her to fast food eateries and her house, despite numerous attempts from her side telling him to stop harassing her.
Things escalated when he followed her to London, where she also lodged a report and the man was arrested.
The man was charged in court in the United Kingdom, but soon fled the country.