How does the new law aim to protect victims of workplace bullying?

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New Legislation Criminalises Workplace Bullying and Harassment in Malaysia

Malaysia has officially criminalised workplace bullying and harassment through amendments to the Penal Code (Act A1750) and Criminal Procedure Code, a move that elevates severe psychological abuse, digital harassment, and doxxing from internal human resources matters to criminal offences. This legal reform, enacted in July of last year, signifies a significant shift in how such misconduct is addressed within the professional sphere.
Criminalisation of Severe Psychological Abuse and Digital Harassment

The amendments specifically target behaviours previously considered internal workplace issues. Severe psychological abuse, which can encompass persistent intimidation and verbal abuse, along with digital harassment and doxxing, are now recognised as criminal acts under Malaysian law. This change means that perpetrators of such actions can face legal consequences beyond internal disciplinary measures.
Shift from HR Issues to Criminal Offences

Previously, instances of workplace bullying and harassment were largely handled within the purview of human resources departments, often depending on company policies and senior management discretion. The recent legal reform reclassifies certain severe forms of these behaviours as criminal offences. This implies that victims now have a pathway to seek justice through the criminal justice system, rather than solely relying on internal company grievance procedures.
Potential for Enhanced Victim Protection

While the specific mechanisms for victim support and recourse under the new criminalisation are not detailed, the legislative change itself offers a new layer of protection. By establishing these acts as criminal offences, the law provides a formal framework for addressing and penalising perpetrators, potentially empowering victims to report incidents with greater confidence that they will be taken seriously and investigated by legal authorities.

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How does the new law aim to protect victims of workplace bullying?

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