Malaysian firm sacks staff for alleged sexual misconduct

A popular radio station in Malaysia has sacked two employees for alleged sexual harassment.

This follows formal investigations conducted after an anonymous letter surfaced claiming instances of rape, sexual harassment and stalking at BFM 89.9.

BFM’s founder, Malek Ali said the decision to fire was made after “sufficient evidence” was found by the investigating committee and the board.

The letter, written by a former employee, had also accused management of not taking the claims seriously when they were first made in 2017.

Malek countered the accusation.

“Immediately upon receiving the [rape] complaint, the BFM management team commenced an investigation and took the highest form of disciplinary action by terminating the employment of the accused employee,” he said.

“The BFM management team did not make a police report as the complainant did not wish to escalate the matter at the time.”

However, he acknowledged that “more could have been done” to proactively gather evidence and address such misconduct in a timelier manner.

BFM is currently reviewing existing internal policies and its grievance-reporting structure. It aims to implement a new reporting system in the upcoming weeks, reported Malay Mail.

“As part of this review, we will be instituting training and awareness programs for all employees,” Malek said. “These will clearly lay out the parameters of acceptable and unacceptable conduct in the workplace, and the consequences for transgressions.

“Our goal is to ensure that our employees feel assured that they work in a safe environment.”