Penang will launch a comprehensive action plan in December to tackle online sexual violence and cyberbullying while improving support for victims.
GEORGE TOWN: Penang will launch an Action Plan Against Online Sexual Violence and Cyberbullying this December to strengthen inter-agency coordination and ensure victims have better access to effective support and reporting channels.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Muslim Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the action plan was developed following a study on online harassment, which found gaps in victims’ knowledge of available reporting channels and support services.
The 2024 study, titled “Mapping Online Harassment: A Penang State-level Prevalence Study”, conducted by the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) and Penang Institute, also highlighted the need to improve public understanding of the steps that can be taken after experiencing online harassment.
“Many victims are unsure where to seek help or what action will be taken after a report is lodged,” she told a press conference on the Penang Goes Orange (PGO) 2026 campaign at Komtar here today.
Also present were PWDC chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Penang director Mohd Fitri Hashim and state Criminal Investigation Department (Investigation/Legal) deputy head ACP Aminah Saad.
Lim said a task force involving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), MCMC, State Health Department, Social Welfare Department, State Education Department and several other agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) had been established to coordinate efforts to address the issue.
Meanwhile, she said PGO 2026, themed “L.E.A.P.: For a Safer Digital Space”, aimed to raise awareness of cyberbullying, online sexual harassment, cyberstalking and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, while encouraging the public to report cases and support victims.
She said 37 NGOs were expected to participate in the campaign, while 126 secondary schools in Penang would take part in the TVPSS Video Competition themed “Stop Cyberbullying!”, encouraging young people to produce content on digital safety.
“Since its introduction in 2014, PGO has grown into an important platform for raising public awareness of violence against women and children, as well as the importance of creating a safer environment,” she said.
The highlight, the PGO 2026 Orange Walk, will take place on Dec 5 at the Seberang Perai Tengah District Education Office in Permatang Pasir, with more than 3,000 participants expected to attend to raise awareness of gender-based violence and the importance of creating safe digital spaces.