In an exclusive interview with FMT, Nancy said the tribunal established under the Act has encouraged many women to come forward as it provides an alternative platform for them to address their plight expeditiously and in a simple manner at a minimum cost.

“Some women feel their work environment is not conducive due to sexual harassment and other challenges.

“But when the Act was introduced, even some men told me, ‘Thank you, our women feel more confident’,” she said.

Passed by the Dewan Negara on Aug 11, 2022, the law grants the right to seek redress for anyone who has experienced sexual harassment, whether in the workplace or other settings.

It also established the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment, which can order compensation of up to RM250,000 and covers a broad range of sexual harassment, including verbal, non-verbal, visual, gestural, and physical conduct that is offensive or humiliating.

The law complements existing protection under the Employment Act 1955 and Industrial Relations Act 1967, which only covered workplace harassment.

Beyond traditional workplaces

Nancy said women today have more opportunities beyond traditional workplaces, including remote work and flexible job options, which should be encouraged.

She said women should not feel burdened by caregiving responsibilities, housework, or family obligations to the point where it hinders their careers.

“Women should not hold themselves back from working because of these concerns. We don’t want women to feel that no matter how educated they are, they still have to stay at home.

“We need to support women so they feel confident, alongside creating more opportunities for them,” she said.

She said the government, under Budget 2025, has introduced measures to support women’s workforce participation.

These include a 50% income tax exemption for employers hiring women returning to work, as well as tax incentives for companies offering additional care leave to improve work-life balance.

According to the statistics department, out of 4.8 million women who were not seeking employment in 2023, three million or 60% cited housework or family responsibilities.

Meanwhile, 30% said it was due to schooling, and the remaining 10% came from women who were furthering their studies, disabled, disinterested in working or have retired.

The majority of these women have at least a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or equivalent qualifications and almost half have work experience.