THE Dewan Rakyat today passed the anti-stalking bill after a voice vote. 

The bill was first tabled for first reading on August 4 by Deputy Law Minister Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. 

It seeks to amend the penal code to make stalking, whether virtually or otherwise, an offence punishable by imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both, if convicted. 

The proposed new section reads: “Whoever repeatedly by any act of harassment, intending to cause, or knowing or ought to know that the act is likely to cause distress, fear or alarm to any person of the person’s safety, commits an offence of stalking.” 

The proposal was first mooted in 2019 with the establishment of the anti-stalking committee.

Mas Ermieyati said the amendments to the law will afford more protection to women.

“I am sure from now on those who are vulnerable and in need of better protection will receive it, and I want to thank all those who offered their input. 

“There are many incidents where the perpetrator got away with it but with this amendment, we can prevent that,” she told the Dewan Rakyat today. – October 3, 2022.