Malaysia’s Anti-Stalking laws are finally in effect

Anti-stalking laws are effective! The Dewan Rakyat amended the Penal Code on March 29 to make stalking an offense, both physically and online. A new Section 507A of the Penal Code (Act 574) has been added to make stalking a criminal offense, and anyone found guilty faces a potential jail sentence of up to three years, a fine, or both. The anti-stalking and protection order laws became effective on May 31, 2023.

 

via GIPHY

The new Section 507A of the Penal Code defines stalking as repeated acts of harassment intended or likely to cause distress, fear, or alarm to any person. Someone who is stalking you may repeatedly follow you, track you, communicate with you, appear at your house or workplace, send you gifts, or engage in other behaviors that cause you to feel distressed or scared.

How will the anti-stalking laws protect you?

We’re pretty sure that you might be thinking “How will these laws protect me?”

If you are being stalked, you can now seek help or restitution from the police. You can seek a Protection Order for Stalking, which prevents the perpetrator from stalking or approaching you in the future. Stalkers can be investigated, charged in court, and sentenced to up to three years in prison under revisions to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code. The Women’s Aid Organization supports the criminalization of stalking, which will benefit thousands of Malaysians who have been stalked and live in dread for their safety each year.

Now with the laws in effect, you might want to be careful when you continuously follow someone online or offline. Coz if you cross the line, you could land yourself behind bars.

We understand that it’s tempting to check what your ex is up to but…

via GIPHY