Breaking the Silence on Rising Sexual Misconduct in Malaysia

What Is Sexual Misconduct?

Sexual misconduct refers to a broad range of unwanted sexual behaviors that happen without consent, such as sexual assault and sexual harassment. Sexual harassment, in turn, includes actions of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe. It can be:

• Verbal: Sexist jokes, inappropriate comments, or unwanted sexual advances.

• Non-verbal: Staring, leering, or making suggestive gestures.

• Physical: Unwanted touching, groping, or brushing against someone.

• Visual: Showing sexual images or making lewd gestures.

• Online: Sending unsolicited sexual messages or images (cyber harassment)

These behaviours can affect a person’s dignity and well-being, often involving a power imbalance, where the perpetrator misuses their authority.

Who Is at Risk?

When we think about sexual misconduct, the conversation often centers around women; and rightfully so, as they make up the majority of cases. But there’s another side to the story that doesn’t get talked about enough: men can be victims too. And it’s more common than you might think. About 21% of reported sexual harassment cases in Malaysia between 2013 and 2017 involved male victims, according to Royal Malaysian Police data. It's a clear sign that sexual misconduct can happen to anyone, and our discussions need to reflect that reality.

How Common Is Sexual Misconduct in Malaysia?

Sexual misconduct is on the rise in Malaysia. Several recent news stories have highlighted the seriousness of sexual misconduct in Malaysia. Click on the links below to read more:

• Deepfake Scandal at a Johor Secondary School

• A disturbing case where AI-generated explicit images of schoolgirls were circulated, raising serious concerns about digital safety, consent, and the urgent need for education around cyber sexual harassment.

• University Professor Accused of Sharing Lewd Photos

• An academic figure, trusted by students and the public alike, is now under investigation for allegedly distributing inappropriate images. This is a stark reminder that abuse of power can happen even in professional, respected settings.

• Young Girls Report Sexual Abuse by Family Members

• Perhaps the most heartbreaking cases are those where children report sexual abuse by their relatives. These incidents reveal how silence, shame, and fear often allow such crimes to go unreported for years.

These stories are not isolated incidents. They point to a troubling pattern of sexual misconduct that thrives in silence, stigma, and a lack of proper support systems. It’s time we confront these issues head-on by raising awareness, listening to survivors, and pushing for stronger protections in schools, homes, and workplaces.

Sexual Misconduct Statistics in Malaysia

According to the 2023 Crime Statistics report by the Department of Statistics Malaysia and the Royal Malaysia Police, a total of 1,389 cases of physical sexual assault and 91 cases of non-physical sexual assault involving children were reported.

In addition, authorities recorded 67 cases of child pornography, 16 cases of sexually communicating with a child, and 4 cases of child grooming. These figures alone reveal the alarming extent of sexual misconduct against children in Malaysia — and they represent only the cases that were formally reported.
What’s even more concerning is the lack of comprehensive public data on sexual misconduct involving adults, making it difficult to fully grasp the broader scope of the issue. Yet, when the statistics involving children are already this severe, it underscores the urgent need to address sexual violence across all age groups, and to invest in better reporting, prevention, and support systems nationwide.

Many victims do not report sexual misconduct. Common reasons include:

• Fear of not being believed or being blamed

• Shame or embarrassment

• Worry about retaliation or losing their job

• Lack of trust in the reporting system

These barriers mean the real number of cases is likely much higher than official statistics suggest.

The Impact on Mental Health

Sexual misconduct doesn’t just cause physical harm — it can leave lasting psychological scars that affect every aspect of a survivor’s life. The mental health consequences are often deep and long-term, including:

• Anxiety and Depression
  Survivors may experience intense feelings of fear, sadness, and hopelessness. These symptoms can persist for years, even if the incident occurred only once. Anxiety might show up as hypervigilance, panic attacks, or constant worry, while depression may lead to withdrawal, fatigue, and difficulty finding joy in life.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  PTSD is common after traumatic experiences like sexual assault or harassment. Survivors may experience flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, or avoid situations that remind them of the trauma. These symptoms can disrupt daily life and relationships.

• Low Self-Esteem and Self-Blame
  Many survivors struggle with feelings of shame and guilt, often blaming themselves for what happened — especially in cultures where victim-blaming is common. This can erode their sense of self-worth and make it difficult to trust others again.

• Difficulties at Work or School
  The emotional impact of sexual misconduct can interfere with concentration, motivation, and performance. Survivors may have trouble keeping up with responsibilities or may avoid certain environments altogether if they feel unsafe or unsupported.

What Is Being Done?

Here are some important steps Malaysia has taken to address sexual misconduct:

• Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022: This legislation establishes a clear legal framework for victims to report incidents and seek justice. It represents a major milestone following years of advocacy by women’s rights organizations.

• Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS): Created under the Act, this tribunal allows victims to file complaints online, making the process more accessible and affordable nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak.

• Awareness Campaigns: The government and NGOs (e.g., Women's Aid Organisation, Sarawak for Women Society) actively promote public education, encourage reporting, and provide support services and legal assistance to survivors.

What Can You Do?

If you or someone you know experiences sexual misconduct:

• Talk to someone you trust: This could be a friend, family member, or mental health professional. Speaking up can be the first step toward healing.

• Know your rights: You can file a complaint online through TAGS (Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment). The tribunal can order remedies such as apologies, compensation, or other corrective actions. If the misconduct is criminal in nature, you are encouraged to file a police report. Support organisations are also available to guide you through the process.

• Practice self-care: Take care of your mental health and seek professional help if needed.

• Remember: It is never your fault.

Final Thoughts

Sexual misconduct is a real and growing problem in Malaysia, but by understanding what it is, knowing your rights, and supporting each other, we can help create safer spaces for everyone.

Our trained therapists at Mind Wave are experienced in working with survivors of sexual misconduct. We offer a safe, confidential, and compassionate space for you to process, heal, and regain control of your life. If you need support, our therapists are here to help confidentially and without judgment.

References:

• Department of Statistics Malaysia. (2024). Crime statistics, Malaysia, 2023 (Report). Department of Statistics Malaysia.

• European Institute for Gender Equality. (n.d.). What is sexual harassment? https://eige.europa.eu/publications-resources/toolkits-guides/sexism-at-work-handbook/part-1-understand/what-sexual-harassment?language_content_entity=en

• Focus Malaysia. (n.d.). Breaking the silence: Addressing sexual harassment in Malaysian workplaces. https://focusmalaysia.my/breaking-the-silence-addressing-sexual-harassment-in-malaysian-workplaces

• Free Malaysia Today. (n.d.). Have strict SOPs on sexual misconduct, Teo tells private schools. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/04/12/have-strict-sops-on-sexual-misconduct-teo-tells-private-schools

• Free Malaysia Today. (n.d.). UM academic staff demand probe of don over alleged lewd photos. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/12/18/um-academic-staff-demand-probe-of-don-over-alleged-lewd-photos

• Hamin, Z., Kamaruddin, S., & Wan Rosli, W. R. (2023). When the law is half-baked: A critique of the new anti-sexual harassment law in Malaysia. Journal of Administrative Science, 20(2), 256–267. https://journal.uitm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/JAS/article/view/2548

• Malay Mail. (n.d.). Kulai school says expelled student in deepfake porn scandal admits slow action. https://www.malaymail.com/amp/news/malaysia/2025/04/10/kulai-school-says-expelled-student-in-deepfake-porn-scandal-admits-slow-action/172624

• Malay Mail. (n.d.). Raped since last year: Two girls lodge police reports against fathers, uncles in Kelantan. https://www.malaymail.com/amp/news/malaysia/2025/04/16/raped-since-last-year-two-girls-lodge-police-reports-against-fathers-uncles-in-kelantan/173296

• The Star. (n.d.). E-filing system for sexual harassment victims to start operation in 2025, says Noraini. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/01/e-filing-system-for-sexual-harassment-victims-to-start-operation-in-2025-says-noraini

• Women’s Centre for Change Penang. (n.d.). Sexual harassment: Laws in Malaysia. https://www.wccpenang.org/sexual-harassment-laws-in-malaysia