KUCHING: A policy to check sexual harassment at the workplace is needed, Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said.
She said every workplace must have a system in place for reporting, investigation and the range of actions that can be taken against sexual harassment.
“The investigation of course needs to be fair and just to all parties. Confidentiality for both the accuser and accused should be respected and there should be no retribution for those making accusations and likewise protection for the whistle-blowers.
“Also, it needs to be remembered that, like most abuse cases, the person reporting is likely to be in a position of less power than the accused.
“The symbol for justice is balancing scales so we must help those positioned lower in hierarchies to be heard,” she said.
She was officiating at Sarawak Energy’s Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment programme at Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) tower here today.
While pointing out that sexual harassment is a serious matter which can occur anywhere, Fatimah commended SEB for launching its programme.
“There may be a lot of things to think through and put in place, but I am confident SEB has the commitment to achieve its goal.
“I am so proud of Sarawak Energy – you are facing these challenges and acting by launching your programme today. I am confident you will be a role model within the corporate sector,” she said.
Fatimah believed that the most effective way of tackling sexual harassment is by addressing the issue through establishing preventative and grievance mechanisms at the organisational level.
“I am pleased to see that Sarawak Energy has already taken steps towards this, implementing relevant initiatives and programmes across the company – including essential awareness events such as today’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ session.
“This will go a long way in safeguarding the wellbeing of all your people. Your collective commitment to Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment should serve as an example to other organisations – in both the public and private spheres – of strong corporate responsibility and leadership,” she added.
CAPTION: Photo: Ramidi Subari
