Noraini: Disciplinary action under MPK’s Conduct and Discipline Rules 2023 can be taken for sexual harassment.
AFFECTIONATE terms of “sayang” or “darling” as well as sending messages with those terms through WhatsApp are considered sexual harassment at the workplace.
Klang Municipal Council (MPK) president Noraini Roslan said the council would not tolerate such instances of sexual harassment.
She said that flirting with colleagues using those terms of endearment was deemed verbal sexual harassment and unwelcome sexual advances.
“It is an offence,” she told StarMetro following a notice on sexual harassment put up at the local council’s notice board in accordance to the Public Services Commission (PSC) regulations and MPK’s Conduct and Discipline Rules 2023.
She pointed out that such behaviour would warrant disciplinary action under MPK’s Conduct and Discipline Rules 2023.
She also said that touching, holding, groping, kissing and gently punching co-workers on the shoulder amounted to physical sexual harassment.
“Texting or forwarding sexually explicit messages, photographs or videos is deemed visual sexual harassment,” she said.
Noraini revealed that there had been several sexual harassment cases at MPK.
“The cases were handled professionally,” she said.
“Counselling was given to the employees involved.
“Cases of such nature involved transferring staff members to different departments or units to prevent repeat incidents and to ensure a more comfortable working environment.”
Noraini said the council staff were encouraged to report incidents of sexual harassment, bullying or harassment to MPK’s Integrity Department.
“We will support the employee and take appropriate action,” she said.
