The much-awaited law was gazetted on Oct 18 last year.

“The ministry is of the view that it is important for the public to have increased awareness about the seriousness of sexual harassment before this Act is fully enforced,” said Nancy in the Dewan Rakyat.

“Therefore the enforcement of Act 840 will be done in stages, which involves defining sexual harassment, conducting educational awareness (programmes), and (helping) the public understand the law.”

Last August, then women, family and community development minister Rina Harun said the Act’s enforcement would start with advocacy programmes to provide the public with awareness, education and understanding about the law.

Meanwhile, Nancy said her ministry was in the final stage of drafting the Social Work Profession Bill.

“If all goes smoothly, the ministry will present the draft to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) for their review this year.”

The bill was mooted by the Pakatan Harapan government but could not be tabled as the Dr Mahathir Mohamad-led administration collapsed in February 2020.

The bill has since been developed by his successors, Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Social Work Profession Act will recognise the work of social workers and elevate their status to professionals.