Wanita Gerakan welcomes amendments to the new labour laws covering sexual harassment and maternity benefits, describing them as a big step forward in creating a more gender sensitive working environment at workplace.

However, Wanita Gerakan deputy chief Ng Siew Lai called for a comprehensive policy and legal framework on anti-sexual harassment that encompasses education, prevention and deterrent measures.

Ng also urged the government to explore the possibility of enacting an anti-harassment act.

She said there were occasions when both the employees and employers were not sure what behaviors actually constituted “sexual harassment”.

Ng said these amendments could only be effective if the complainant’s identity were kept confidential to prevent the complainant from facing unilateral punishment by the bosses.

She suggested that every company should have an in-house committee, for victims to make their complaints, either against their bosses, superiors or fellow colleagues.

“Besides looking into complaints by employees, the committee should also look into cases when employees purposely lodge complaints against their bosses or superiors because of personal grudges,” she said in a statement.

Ng said besides punishment, the government should also work together with civil society to look into providing counseling and legal help for victims, besides conducting educational and awareness campaign on this important issue.

The amendments to the Employment Act which include a clause making it mandatory for employers to look into complaints of sexual harassment or they would be fined up to RM10,000, were tabled for first reading at Dewan Rakyat on Thursday. The amendments are more favourable to domestic helpers and call for better maternity benefits.