STALKING victims will be able to apply for a protection order as soon as the alleged perpetrator of the crime is investigated by the police, Deputy Law Minister Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said. 

She said under the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill (No.2) 2022, a protection order would be applied for in accordance with Section 98A(1) ex parte, and the application can be submitted by the victim, the victim’s representative, or the guardian of a child or disabled person.

“Under the amendment, when a case is settled in court and if it recurs, the victim can reapply (for a protection order) and the court has the discretion to grant a new protection order to the victim,” she said when winding up the tabling of the bill in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Earlier, when presenting the bill for second reading, Mas Ermieyati said the amendment to Act 593 is to provide legal protection to stalking victims through a protection order issued by courts.

She said the amendment was also created with the aim of curbing the crime of stalking and helping reduce victims’ anxiety, fear and trauma.

“In conclusion, concern for the protection of victims of stalking in this country is expected to bring harmony and social stability in the country and further improve the well-being of the community,” she said.

The bill was then unanimously approved by the Dewan Rakyat. 

The Dewan Rakyat also approved the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2022 to amend the Penal Code (Act 574) by making provisions for the offence of stalking as well as punishments for the offence.

The bill, among other matters, states that anyone who commits the offence of stalking shall be punished with imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. – Bernama, October 3, 2022.