NUJ president Mohd Taufek Razak however admitted that female journalists had been facing the problem for a long time.
“The NUJ wishes to suggest, in view of sexual harassment having become a part of the challenges faced by women journalists, that they should have an appropriate appearance and a firm stand while performing duties.
“For example, do not wear eye-catching or excessively sexy attire, and reject interviews in improper places like nightclubs or homes of politicians,” he told news portal Malaysiakini.
He said it was human nature for men to be drawn to women, and for women to attract the attention of men.
His comments come after a news portal reported yesterday the accounts of women journalists who said they had experienced sexual advances from male politicians they were assigned to interview.
Two of the eight journalists featured by the Asian Correspondent were Malaysians.
One said a politician had sent lewd text messages and stroked her thigh during an interview. The other said an MP had persistently messaged her to ask about her personal life, and had invited her to dinner despite being married.
Taufek said the journalists should lodge police reports and furnish evidence.
“The problem is victims are ashamed to make police reports,” he said, adding that they could be trying to maintain a good relationship with the politician.