Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) applaud the move by the Law Ministry to look into making stalking a crime. Currently, there are no laws on anti-stalking in Malaysia. In the absence of any relevant anti-stalking law, victims of stalking have no avenue to turn to gain protection.  

Victims of stalking usually have no choice but to just wait and see if the act of stalking escalates further into the criminal act of causing physical harm.  If it does then the police can take action however it is too late as the fear evoked by the stalker has been realised.  When there is legislation against stalking physical harm can be prevented and psychological stress reduced. 

SWWS notes that survivors of domestic violence fear being stalked by their ex-partners so tougher laws would help them be free of their abusers. Stalking can cause a detrimental effect on the victims’ mental and emotional health and this can be as damaging as physical violence.

Furthermore, the act of stalking, if not prevented or curbed is likely to lead to sexual harassment as shown by complaints received from the victims of such harassment.

SWWS therefore welcomes the Ministry of Law’s review and recommends any proposed legislation also covers the act of stalking within the cyber realm.