Male sexual harassment and assault cases on the rise in Malaysia

11-3-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The incidence of male sexual harassment and assault victims is steadily increasing in Malaysia, as per statistics released by the federal police. Data from the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) reveals a notable rise in the number of male victims, although females still constitute the majority.

The data indicates an average increase of nearly 1 percent in male victims since 2021. In 2023, the police recorded a total of 3,361 cases of sexual harassment and assault, with 135 victims being male, accounting for approximately 4 percent of the overall victims. Comparatively, in 2021, the D11 recorded 82 male victims out of a total of 2,905, while in 2022, the number rose to 95 out of 2,920.

Among the listed sexual harassment and assault offenses, the police statistics identify six categories: rape, molestation, outrage of modesty, gross indecency, spread of lewd content, and stalking. In 2023, almost half of the male victims were linked to cases investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code, which pertains to outrage of modesty. Additionally, 32 men were victims of offenses involving the spread of obscene materials. Two male victims were also found to be victims of stalking under the newly established Section 507A of the Penal Code.

Notably, the statistics do not record any instances of male rape victims. Over the past three years, all 4,491 rape victims were women.

While female victims overwhelmingly outnumber male victims, with 98.56 percent of the 9,198 cases of sexual harassment and abuse occurring in the past three years, the police treat cases involving male victims with utmost seriousness.

“The scenario in Malaysia shows an increase in the number of crimes committed as well as the number of crimes being reported,” stated Siti Kamsiah Hassan, the assistant director of D11, in an interview with The Star. She further attributed this increase to the evolving nature of crime globally, with sexual offenses facilitated by the internet crossing borders and affecting a larger number of victims, regardless of gender or geographical boundaries.

Ms. Siti Kamsiah also highlighted the growing awareness of such cases. “Increased awareness has empowered male victims to confront sexual harassment and facilitated their willingness to share their experiences,” she said. “Revealing stories and open discussions on social media have also provided male victims with the support they need, eliminating shame and fear.”

She acknowledged that awareness campaigns have played a significant role in encouraging the public and affected individuals to report such crimes. “These campaigns have educated the public and victims about their rights and the importance of reporting these crimes, thus contributing to aggressive efforts to prevent their occurrence,” Ms. Siti Kamsiah added.

Moreover, she emphasized that the rise in male victims is also linked to sexual offenders targeting male children. Online sexual harassment has provided criminals with opportunities to commit sexual offenses against both children and adults, including male victims.

Analysis of crime trends indicates that cases of sexual harassment and assault primarily occur in workplaces, private homes, and public spaces. However, cases involving male victims, especially children, often involve perpetrators who are trusted individuals or online acquaintances from gaming platforms.

Ms. Siti Kamsiah clarified that this does not imply that such cases cannot occur elsewhere. In 2023, a total of 547 sexual harassment and assault cases were brought to court, an increase from the 467 cases in 2022.

While the existing laws are deemed sufficient to address current crime trends, Ms. Siti Kamsiah highlighted ongoing efforts to study and improve legislation to keep pace with the evolving nature of crime and enhance crime-fighting endeavors. However, she stressed the importance of public willingness and awareness among those affected to come forward and assist in combating such offenses.