We’ve heard tons of news about sexual harassment, from singers making sexual “jokes” towards their fans to caretakers sexually abusing children. It’s heartbreaking when these news stories pop up online, and it becomes even worse when it involves the people who are supposed to care for and protect us.
A few days ago, Instagram user @byints (Intan) shared her traumatising experience of being sexually harassed by a police officer in Kuala Lumpur. This incident happened during a human rights protest, where the victim was documenting the event and captured police officer making lewd gestures towards her.
While standing alone on a pedestrian bridge photographing an ongoing protest, Intan caught Lance Corporal Muhammad Faris from Wangsa Maju District Police Headquarters (IPD Wangsa Maju) making sexual gestures with his hands and mouth multiple times. She assumed it was directed at her, as nobody else was around. “I was there to document a protest to save human lives and preserve human rights, and this police officer had the time and idea to treat me like a sexual object,” said the victim.
The officer’s offensive actions infuriated netizens, who blasted the PDRM for giving someone like him a place in their establishment. Another user, @/yyaamzh, came forward in Intan’s comment section to talk about the personal experience she faced from the same officer. According to the user, Yaya, she once lodged a sexual harassment report, which Faris led, but he abused his power and ended up harassing her through late-night phone calls.
The PDRM has yet to post an official statement regarding the matter on its social media pages. However, according to a news outlet, the police are investigating this case. Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said, “An investigation was initiated even though the police did not receive a report on the matter.”
Since the post went viral, many others have also come forward to expose what Faris has done to them. In an effort to bring more awareness to the issue, Gegar Amerika organised a call for soliditary earlier today (16th December 2024, Monday) at the IPD Dang Wangi, to show support the Intan as she file a police report against Faris.
We extend our support for Intan and our sympathy to those affected by the shameful actions of Faris. May he receive punishment for his actions.
Sources: Instagram (1)(2), Twitter (1)(2), Harian Metro
May contributed to this article.
