Workplace bullying is something many employees quietly tolerate — harsh words, intimidation, unfair treatment or subtle actions that make you feel stressed or afraid to come to work. As of 11 July 2025, this issue is no longer just an internal HR matter. Malaysia now officially recognises workplace bullying as a criminal offence, giving employees stronger protection than ever before.
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What Is Workplace Bullying?
Workplace bullying happens when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that humiliates, threatens, or undermines you. It doesn’t have to be physical — most bullying is emotional or psychological.
Examples include:
- Constant insults, shouting or belittling
- Unreasonable criticism meant to embarrass
- Public humiliation
- Being excluded from meetings or communication
- Gossiping or spreading false information
- Threats or intimidation
- Overloading you with work as punishment
- Cyberbullying through WhatsApp, email, or text
- Sharing your personal information without permission (doxing)
If the behaviour makes you feel unsafe, stressed, anxious, or scared to go to work, it counts.
New Law: Bullying Is Now a Crime
With the 2025 Penal Code amendments, several forms of bullying now carry criminal penalties. Verbal or emotional harassment can lead to imprisonment. Digital harassment through messages or emails is also punishable. Harassment that causes mental distress is a crime, and if the bullying contributes to a suicide attempt, the offender may face far heavier punishment. Even doxing — sharing personal details without permission — is now an offence.
Here are some key penalties:
- Verbal or emotional harassment: Up to 3 years’ jail
- Digital harassment (WhatsApp, email, chat): Up to 1 year’ jail or fine
- Harassment causing mental distress: Up to 1 year’ jail
- If harassment leads to a suicide attempt: Up to 10 years’ jail
- Sharing someone’s personal info (doxing): Up to 3 years’ jail
This means if you are bullied at work, you now have legal protection and rights that did not exist before.
What You Can Do If You Are Being Bullied
The first step is to document what happened. Keep notes of incidents, including dates, messages or screenshots. This helps when explaining your situation to HR or when lodging a formal complaint.
Next, report the situation through your company’s existing channels. If there is no formal process, a written complaint to HR or a senior manager is still valid. Speaking to someone you trust can also help you deal with the emotional impact.
If the behaviour continues, you have legal options. You may file a police report based on the new Penal Code provisions, or seek advice from the Labour Office or a lawyer. The law also protects you from retaliation — employers cannot punish you for reporting bullying.
How HR Should Support You
Employees have the right to a safe working environment. HR should take every report seriously, investigate fairly, maintain confidentiality and ensure you are not targeted for stepping forward. Proper action should be taken against the person responsible, whether through warnings, disciplinary steps or escalation to the authorities.
If HR dismisses or ignores your complaint, you have the right to escalate it further within the organisation or outside it.
You Deserve a Safe, Respectful Workplace
No one should feel afraid to go to work. Bullying is not normal, and the law now recognises the seriousness of this issue. The 2025 legal changes give employees stronger protection and support, ensuring that abusive behaviour can no longer be brushed aside.
You have the right to dignity, safety and respect at work — and help is available if you need it.
If you have any problem and need advice, We’re Here to Help You!