Alarming rise in sexual assault cases
Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025
By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Dr Joachim presenting an Anti-Sexual Harassment Notice to Tawau Ministry of Health Training Institute Director Dr Kogilavani Subermaniam. TAWAU: A concerted effort from all parties is crucial to address the rising issue of sexual harassment, which has shown a significant increase nationwide, said Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. He noted that based on reports from the police there were 477 sexual harassment cases recorded in 2022, which rose to 522 cases in 2023 and surged further to 788 cases in 2024.
Advertisement As of March this year alone, 214 cases have already been reported, including five in Sabah. He said the increasing numbers reflects the severity of sexual harassment and the need to raise public awareness while strengthening support channels for victims. 'Sexual harassment is an immoral act that can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, race or religion. 'This issue must be addressed early because if left unchecked, it can lead to more serious crimes such as rape and violence against women,' he added.
Advertisement Dr Joachim said this at the closing ceremony of the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry's (KPWKM) 2025 Kembara Kasih Programme at the Tawau Sports Complex Hall here on Saturday. Present were KPWKM Deputy Secretary-General (Operations) Farah Adura Hamidi, representing the KPWKM Minister, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Tawau MP Datuk Lo Su Fui, Balung Assemblyman Datuk Hamild Awang and Kukusan Assemblywoman Datuk Rina Jainal. Dr Joachim welcomed KPWKM's initiative in establishing the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) as an alternative to civil courts, providing a faster, easier and more cost-effective complaint process. Thus, he urged more victims to come forward and seek justice. He said violence against women is not an isolated issue, but many victims remain silent due to stigma, social pressure or a lack of awareness about available support channels. 'We all have a responsibility to create a safe environment and support victims in standing up for their rights,' he said. Earlier, he commended the Ministry's Kembara Kasih Programme, which covered six districts in Sabah, namely Tuaran, Papar, Penampang, Lahad Datu, Kunak and concluded in Tawau. The programme saw the implementation of 34 initiatives by various agencies under KPWKM, targeting vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Dr Joachim, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Linda Ewit, also expressed appreciation to the organisers for choosing Sabah as this year's Kembara Kasih destination. During the event, he presented Anti-Sexual Harassment Notices to relevant departments and agencies as a symbolic commitment by the government to prevent such crimes. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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