KUCHING, April 30- All parties are strongly urged to speak out against sexual harassment in order to uphold and defend the dignity and safety of society as a whole.

The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, stated that every individual, regardless of their background or group affiliation, has the right to take action in safeguarding their own safety and dignity.

"This can be achieved by voicing out whenever one faces or witnesses any form of sexual harassment, particularly in efforts to protect vulnerable groups such as children and women.

"At the same time, I remain committed to ensuring the strengthening of justice through the full implementation of the Tribunal established under the Sexual Harassment Act," the statement read.

This statement was issued in response to a recent sexual harassment incident in Kuching involving an e-hailing driver and a 15-year-old teenage girl, which went viral on social media.

The video circulating online shows the driver asking the teenage victim to remove her hijab while she was on her way home.

In light of this incident, the minister also called upon women and men, as well as parents, educators, and colleagues, to come together and collaborate in creating a safer and more respectful environment for all.