Police data showed that 2,492 reports of such harassment or assault were reported from 2020 to 2021, during the COVID-19 movement restrictions period where people started to work more from home.

Although the number is lower than in 2019, where almost four cases were reported daily, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Rina Harun said, the statistics might not be an accurate reflection of the situation on the ground due to non-reporting by many victims out of fear and shame.

Other reasons could be a lack of proof, an imbalance of power, or the influence that the aggressor had over the victim, she said.

Some chose not to come forward because they felt that their case could be viewed as "minor", she added.

As such, Datuk Seri Rina said her ministry had drawn up the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill aimed at complementing these other existing legislation related to sexual harassment.

"This will expand the scope of application of legislation related to sexual harassment that is not limited to only the workplace or criminal law procedures," she said in an interview.

Read further on The Star’s article attached.