KUALA LUMPUR: To ensure Malaysians are well protected under the anti-stalking law, the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) calls for the relevant guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be updated to reflect stalking as a crime.
In a statement Wednesday (June 14), WAO said steps must be taken by the government to update guidelines and SOPs as well as provide adequate training and resources to all relevant agencies.
"This includes police officers, social welfare officers, prosecutors, the judiciary and other frontliners.
"The government needs to conduct a nationwide publicity campaign to ensure that victims know their rights, and that all Malaysians are educated on the legal repercussions of stalking as a crime," the statement read.
The organisation shared that the government needs to train and share resources with relevant non-governmental organisations and other service providers so they are provided with sufficient information on anti-stalking laws.
"This will in turn help them be further equipped to support victims of stalking," it said.
The anti-stalking and protection order provisions came into force on May 31 this year (2023).
Under the new Section 507A of the Penal Code, stalking is defined as a repeated act of harassment, which is intended or is likely to cause distress, fear, or alarm to any person for their safety.
The organisation applauded the criminalisation of stalking, sharing that it will help thousands in Malaysia who have been stalked and live in fear for their safety each year.
The organisation then shared examples of stalking to create awareness on the different ways in which one may be a victim.
"If someone is repeatedly following you, tracking and communicating with you, showing up at your house or workplace, sending you things, or committing other acts either online or physically that make you distressed or scared, you may be a victim of stalking.
"If you are being stalked, you can now get help or redress from the police.
"You can obtain a Protection Order for stalking, which stops the perpetrator from further stalking you or coming near you.
"According to the amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, stalkers can be investigated, charged in court and punished with imprisonment of up to three years," WAO said.
For further advice, contact the WAO Hotline at 03-3000 8858 or SMS / WhatsApp Tina at 018-988 8058.
If you are being stalked and are fearful for your safety, reach out to the police at 999 or make a report at a police station.
