Has Workplace Bullying Become Worse in Malaysia?

According to the Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management vice-president Mohd Rafizi Rahmad, workplace bullying has become an issue that is serious enough to warrant scrutiny. He said he would raise the issue at the institute's next meeting soon.

Rafizi said many people believe that workplace bullying only happens top-down, or in other words, seniors bullying their subordinates.

However, he said that the truth is there are other groups of workers who are also targets of workplace bullying. He added that there are also top officials or department heads who have become victims of employees who have an agenda. 

Associate professor of Law at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow, said though workplace bullying exists in Malaysia, there are no particular laws under which the victim can lodge a complaint against the perpetrator.

 

What constitutes workplace bullying?

According to Muzaffar, workplace bullying could be defined as unprofessional conduct that could threaten an employee's ability to perform at work. He added that it also affects an organisation's productivity.

He stated that workplace bullying creates an unconducive work environment where the victim cannot focus on their jobs effectively. The perpetrator can be anyone, such as the manager, employer, coworker or even third parties such as customers or clients. 

Muzaffar said that victims should not suffer in silence but act as soon as possible by lodging complaints with their superiors. 

 

Is workplace bullying a form of harassment?

Labour lawyer S. Muhendaran said that gaps exist despite a push to enhance protection for workers. He said that workplace bullying is a form of harassment, and just like sexual harassment, employers should view it very seriously. 

If the victim does not feel comfortable lodging a complaint with a superior, or if their superior is the perpetrator, they could raise the issue in writing to the organisation's human resources or legal department as a first step. 

They could also lodge a report with the Human Resources Ministry to investigate such issues under the Employment Act 1955, Industrial Relations Act 1967, or Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.

Muhendaran also said that victims could institute civil action against perpetrators or submit a police report so they can investigate the matter under provisions of the Penal Code. He said the perpetrators could be charged under Section 358 of the Penal Code, which provides a jail term of up to one month, a fine, or both.

 

Effects of workplace bullying

Muzaffar and Muhendaran stated the noticeable effects of workplace bullying include the victim's inability to focus on duties, stress, and rising emotional and mental pressures that affect their relationship with family and friends. 

Muzaffar said that if the act of bullying goes unnoticed, it can affect the victim's wellness and even lead to suicide. 

Muhendaran said that it is time for non-governmental organisations to take charge in stopping workplace bullying, provided the lack of data on the issue since victims are usually unsure of what actions they can take. 

 

Source: The Sun Daily