THE National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) has welcomed Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri’s recent proposal to amend the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) to enhance its effectiveness in combatting workplace sexual harassment.

The banking union’s general secretary J. Solomon said NUBE has been relentlessly pursuing fair and equal treatment for all bank employees, regardless of age, sex, or race, and the move is certainly a step in the right direction.

“NUBE applauds the efforts by Nancy to address existing weaknesses in the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) and, if necessary, to introduce stricter laws,” he remarked.

“It is indeed timely that organisations are held accountable for acts of sexual harassment occurring within the workplace, not just the individuals responsible.

“This would undoubtedly lead to greater accountability and a much safer and healthier work environment for all.”

According to national police reports in 2023, a total of 3,361 sexual harassment and assault cases were recorded across the country.

“NUBE also supports the Minister’s call for victims of sexual harassment to report their cases to ensure prompt action and not to suffer in silent,” said Solomon.

“We urge all our members to take this matter seriously. Do not remain silent or suffer alone. Report any such incidents, and NUBE will stand with you to bring to the authorities to ensure justice prevails.”

Solomon went on to commend the police for their swift action in completing investigations on the bank operations officer in Bercham, Ipoh who was recently accused of sexually harassing a female colleague.

“We thank Perak police chief Datuk Azizi Mat Aris for acting so promptly on the report by our union member, and we are confident that justice will prevail,” Solomon stated.

Recall that had previously alleged that on Oct 6, 2021, a young female employee of Maybank Bercham lodged a formal complaint with the bank, reporting that her superior had been sending her sexually explicit and inappropriate messages via WhatsApp.

Despite her confronting him and asking him to stop, the statement added that her work environment became increasingly hostile, with the alleged perpetrator “making her daily life unbearable, subjecting her to threats and undue pressure, all while the bank remained silent.”

The statement alleged that from Oct 2021 to Aug 2024, despite the serious nature of the allegations and what it said was clear evidence, Maybank had failed to take any concrete action against the perpetrator.

On its part, Maybank has denied the allegations.

Protests had since erupted at several Maybank branches nationwide, with the bank’s employees rallying together to organise protests demanding accountability from the bank. - Sept 2, 2024 

https://focusmalaysia.my/nube-applauds-ministers-initiative-to-strengthen-anti-sexual-harassment-laws/