Harassment at Work? Don't Be a "Sabar" Doormat

Okay, let's talk about something that makes my blood boil 😡: sexual harassment in the workplace. I recently attended an online training session on this, and it got me thinking about my own experiences and those of the people around me.

Now, I worked in healthcare for years – hospitals, clinics, you name it. You'd think with all the "luar dalam" stuff we deal with daily, you'd get thick-skinned. But surprisingly, I never personally faced any major harassment.
But here's the thing: just because I escaped unscathed doesn't mean it doesn't happen. And let me tell you, the stories I've heard from friends are enough to make your hair stand on end.

One friend, a high-flying executive, experienced the full gamut of workplace harassment. It started subtle: "Hmm, you should blow my candle out next," a colleague would lecherously suggest at a birthday party. Then came the passive-aggressive innuendos: "This mint is for after your "aiskrim" session, right?"

And don't even get me started on the physical harassment. This other guy, a total creep, would constantly "accidentally" touch her – a playful pat on the back that lingered a bit too long, a "friendly" squeeze on the arm that went on for an eternity.

The worst part? Everyone just kind of…ignored it. Like it was some kind of office "joke." She'd try to brush it off, laugh it off, because "dia ada anak bini," and "takut nanti dia hilang kerja."

Honestly, it makes me so angry 😤! These women are strong, independent professionals, yet they're forced to endure this kind of crap just to keep their jobs.

Here's the thing: NO ONE deserves to be treated this way.

Workplace harassment isn't a joke. It's a serious issue with real consequences. It can damage your mental and emotional health, impact your career, and even lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.

So, what can you do if you're facing harassment?

• Don't be afraid to speak up. Document every incident, no matter how small.
• Report it. Talk to your HR department, a trusted supervisor, or even a lawyer.
• Find support. Talk to friends, family, or a therapist. You don't have to go through this alone.

And to the bystanders: Don't be a silent observer. If you witness harassment, say something! Even a simple "Hey, that's not okay" can make a difference.

Remember, a workplace should be a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Let's break the silence and create a workplace where everyone feels respected and valued.

P.S. If you're facing harassment, you're not alone. There are resources available to help you.

Gangguan Seksual

Definisi gangguan seksual diberikan di bawah Seksyen 2. Ia mendefinisikan gangguan seksual sebagai sebarang perlakuan yang tidak diinginkan yang bersifat seksual, sama ada lisan, bukan lisan, visual, isyarat atau fizikal, ditujukan kepada seseorang dimana ianya menyinggung perasaan atau memalukan atau mengancam kesejahteraannya, yang timbul dari dan semasa dia bekerja. Ini hanya terhad kepada gangguan seksual di tempat kerja.

Kanun Keseksaan

Terdapat beberapa bahagian dalam Kanun Keseksaan yang boleh memberi perlindungan.

Seksyen	Istilah Undang-Undang	Hukuman
354	Mencabul kehormatan (Menyerang atau menggunakan kekerasan jenayah ke atas seseorang dengan niat untuk mencabul kehormatannya).	Penjara maksimum 10 tahun atau denda atau sebat atau mana-mana dua daripada hukuman itu.
355	Menyerang atau menggunakan kekerasan jenayah ke atas seseorang dengan niat untuk menjatuhkan kehormatannya kecuali didesak dengan bangkitan-marah yang serius.	Penjara maksimum 2 tahun atau denda atau kedua-duanya.
377D	Melanggar kesopanan.	Penjaran maksimum 2 tahun.
509	Perkataan atau isyarat dengan niat mengaibkan kehormatan seseorang.	Penjara maksimum 5 tahun atau denda atau kedua-duanya.

Akta Kerja 1955

Pada tahun 2012, gangguan seksual dimasukkan di bawah bahagian XVA Akta Kerja 1955. Definisi gangguan seksual diberikan di bawah Seksyen 2. Ia mendefinisikan gangguan seksual sebagai sebarang perlakuan yang tidak diinginkan yang bersifat seksual, sama ada lisan, bukan lisan, visual, isyarat atau fizikal, ditujukan kepada seseorang dimana ianya menyinggung perasaan atau memalukan atau mengancam kesejahteraannya, yang timbul dari dan semasa dia bekerja. Ini hanya terhad kepada gangguan seksual di tempat kerja.

Bahagian XVA, Seksyen 81A hingga 81G, menyatakan cara mengadu gangguan seksual di tempat kerja dan kewajipan untuk majikan menyiasat mengenai aduan gangguan seksual. Ia juga menyenaraikan tindakan yang boleh diambil oleh majikan sekiranya gangguan seksual terbukti.