According to a recent survey conducted by the Universiti Malaya Feminism Club (UMFC), one in five Universiti Malaya (UM) students have experienced sexual harassment during their time at the university. The survey found that 22.5% of students, both male and female, reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment, yet only 11.1% of victims actually took action and reported the incidents.
UMFC president Chen Jes Weng, 23, noted that the low reporting rate could be attributed to a lack of awareness about the university’s anti-sexual harassment protocols and the subsequent course of action that follows. She emphasized the seriousness of these findings and called for urgent attention from the university’s administration.
“Students should feel confident that they can report incidents of sexual assault or harassment on campus and know that they will be listened to. The reluctance of victims to report such incidents highlights a significant challenge in addressing and preventing sexual misconduct,” she explained during an interview at UM.
In response to these findings, UMFC submitted a memorandum to the university’s administration proposing the establishment of an Anti-Sexual Misconduct Committee (ASMC) within the Universiti Malaya Student Union. The memorandum also recommended revising current anti-sexual harassment guidelines and promoting gender awareness among UM students and staff.
Chen Jes Weng highlighted that the creation of the committee would enhance the efficiency of handling reports of sexual harassment, provide support to victims, and empower students to take responsibility for their campus’ safety. She emphasized the need for clearer and more accessible information about reporting procedures and support services available to victims, given the lack of awareness among students regarding these guidelines.
UM acting executive director Rozaini Rahim accepted the memorandum and stated that it will be sent to the Integrity Unit for further review and consideration of the next steps. It is evident that addressing the issue of sexual harassment on campus is a priority for the university’s administration.
