She reiterated that her ministry was committed to ensuring the bill would be tabled as soon as possible, but said due diligence must be completed carefully and required some time.

“The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill is in the process of being checked and improved on, while engagement sessions with various stakeholders are ongoing before it can be brought to the Cabinet and tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.

“There are still several issues that need to be studied thoroughly,” she told the Dewan Rakyat in her winding-up speech on the royal address tonight.

Among issues that needed to be included in the bill were the need for preventive action, making organisations responsible in preventing sexual harassment and the safety of victims who lodge complaints.

Rina said she took note of how cyber sexual harassment has been on the rise with many daily processes being shifted to a virtual platform due to the pandemic.

“Currently, such cases are being addressed under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).”

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill aimed to address these cases and overcome issues such as the high burden of proof, the lack of remedial action for victims and the issue of under reporting, she said.

She added that under reporting was caused by victims being ashamed and scared of reporting sexual harassment to the authorities.

Previously, Rina said the bill, which was being drafted collectively through a special project team, would be tabled in Parliament by this year.

The special team comprises representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, non-governmental organisations as well as academicians experienced and knowledgeable on the issue.