THE investigation into the alleged sexual harassment of a female journalist during the Sungai Bakap by-election campaign is in its final stage, said Penang police chief Hamzah Ahmad.

He said the investigation paper is being finalised before being referred to the deputy public prosecutor’s office for further action.

“To date, we have recorded statements from three individuals to aid in the investigation. The remand on the suspect in his 30s ended today and we are waiting to see if his remand will be extended.

“An identification parade with the victim and witnesses was also conducted today. The case is being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955,” he told a press conference in Nibong Tebal today, Bernama reported.

Hamzah said police also seized several personal items belonging to the suspect, including clothes he wore during the incident, for further investigation.

He reiterated that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and transparently, and that the police are also investigating the suspect’s role at the location of the incident.

It is understood that the alleged sexual harassment occurred at Dewan Khairat Sungai Kecil on Wednesday night while the journalist was covering an event involving Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president.

The alleged sexual harassment by the man, who claimed to be a party worker, was reportedly witnessed by several other media practitioners.

Meanwhile, media watchdog Centre for independent journalism (CIJ) said the incident proved how unsafe the environment was for female media practitioners who face undue targeting due to their gender.

CIJ executive director Wathshlah G. Naidu said all media practitioners must be treated with respect and protected from any threat that could cause harm to themselves and the people around them.

“We call for firm action to be taken against the perpetrators of this incident. As such, we urge for this police investigation to be done as swiftly and thoroughly as possible. 

“We must not condone actions like this especially against those carrying out their professional duty,” she said in a statement.

She added that event organisers, including in this case the politicians and political parties, should also ensure effective measures are in place to prevent any form of sexual harassment at their events. – July 5, 2024.