Workplace Bullying Is Now a Crime in Malaysia (2025 Update)

Workplace bullying is not just a bad experience anymore, it’s officially a crime in Malaysia. In 2025, the Malaysian government amended the Penal Code to criminalise bullying at work. This is a major step in protecting employee rights.

If you’ve ever felt humiliated, threatened, or unfairly treated by someone at work—whether it’s your boss, colleague, or even HR—this article is for you.

What Is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour that causes mental or emotional harm to someone at work.

It can come from a boss, a co-worker, or even a client. It’s not just being shouted at once—it’s repeated actions that make you feel small, scared, or stressed.

Examples include:

• Constant yelling or name-calling
• Intentionally giving impossible tasks
• Excluding someone from team discussions
• Spreading false rumours
• Publicly humiliating a colleague

These actions may seem small on their own, but when repeated, they can break down a person’s confidence and mental health.

Is Workplace Bullying a Crime in Malaysia?

Yes. As of July 2025, workplace bullying is now a criminal offence in Malaysia.

The Penal Code was amended to introduce Sections 507B to 507G, which clearly define and criminalise bullying at work.

This update was made in response to growing concerns about toxic work environments, mental health, and employee protection.

If you’re being bullied at work, you now have legal protection, and the bully can face serious consequences.

Understanding Sections 507B to 507G of the Penal Code

Let’s break it down:

Section 507B – Causing Harassment, Distress, Fear or Alarm

Using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour (in person or online) is a crime if it’s meant to—or likely to—cause harassment, distress, fear, or alarm.

• Penalty: Up to 3 years’ imprisonment

Section 507C – Causing Distress Without Intending Harm

Even if you didn’t mean to hurt someone, you can still be liable if your words or actions were likely to make the victim feel alarmed or distressed. This includes:

• Cyber comments
• Messages
• Social media posts

The focus is on how the victim feels.

• Penalty: Up to 1 year in prison

Section 507D – Threats or Provocation Leading to Harm

Making someone believe they or someone close to them will be harmed—or provoking them to harm themselves—is now a criminal offence.

If it results in:

• A suicide attempt, or
• Death by suicide

The punishment is even more serious.

• Penalty: Up to 10 years’ imprisonment

Section 507E – Doxxing to Harass

Publishing someone’s personal information (like photos, phone number, or address) online to cause fear or distress is now a crime.

• Penalty: Up to 3 years’ imprisonment

Section 507F – Doxxing to Threaten Harm

Sharing someone’s identity or personal info to make them feel threatened—or to help others find and harm them—is illegal.

This includes viral posts or group targeting.

• Penalty: Up to 1 year in prison

Section 507G – Definition of Harm

This section explains what "harm" includes. It covers:

• Physical injury
• Psychological trauma
• Reputational damage
• Emotional distress

This broad definition ensures the law covers both in-person and online bullying.

Common Types of Workplace Bullying

Here’s a quick overview:

Signs That You Might Be Bullied at Work

Not sure if you’re experiencing bullying? Here are some red flags:

• You feel anxious or sick before work
• Your boss/co-worker keeps picking on you
• You're being left out of team events or decisions
• Your work is being unfairly criticised
• You’ve been shouted at or humiliated in front of others

If you experience any of these regularly, it may be workplace bullying.

What You Can Do If You’re Being Bullied

Here’s what employees should do:

1. Document Everything
   Keep a written record: dates, times, what was said/done, and who was there.
2. Talk to Someone You Trust
   This could be HR, a manager, or a mentor.
3. File a Formal Complaint
   Use your company's grievance procedure. Be clear and calm in your report.
4. Contact the Labour Department or Police
   If the bullying continues or becomes serious, file a report. You are protected under the law.

Tip: You can also speak to a lawyer or the Malaysian Bar Council for legal advice.

What Employers Must Do Now

If you're an employer or HR professional, the law now expects you to:

• Create a clear anti-bullying policy
• Provide a reporting channel
• Train your team on respectful behaviour
• Take complaints seriously and act fast

Failure to take action can lead to penalties—and harm your employer brand.

Why This Law Matters

• Mental health issues are rising in Malaysia
• A toxic workplace leads to high turnover
• Employees now have legal protection
• Employers can be held accountable

This law helps create safer and more respectful work environments. It also gives victims the courage to speak up.

Everyone deserves to feel safe at work.

Final Thoughts

Workplace bullying is no longer something you just have to "put up with."

It’s a crime, and Malaysia is taking it seriously.

If you're being bullied, speak up. If you’re an employer, take action. A healthy workplace isn't just good for morale—it’s now the law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is workplace bullying illegal in Malaysia?
Yes. As of 2025, workplace bullying is a crime under Sections 507B to 507G of the Penal Code.

Q2: Who can be punished under this law?
Anyone in the workplace—bosses, colleagues, clients—if they engage in repeated harmful behaviour.

Q3: What if my employer ignores my complaint?
You can escalate the issue to the Department of Labour or file a police report.

Q4: Can I be punished for making a false report?
Yes. The law includes penalties for false claims.

Q5: Is bullying only physical?
No. It includes verbal, psychological, and digital harassment too.