The Kuala Lumpur Industrial Court has praised Petronas for taking firm and decisive action in addressing sexual harassment within its organization, following the dismissal of a senior officer found guilty of harassing four female employees.
In a detailed 64-page ruling, court chairman Eswary Maree emphasized that maintaining a safe and secure work environment is as crucial as the right to life, as reported by Free Malaysia Today (FMT). She stated that dismissal is a justified response in cases of serious misconduct, reinforcing the message that organizations have a duty to protect their employees from harassment.
According to NST, the case involved a senior officer who was seconded to Dubai from 2015 to 2018. Four female employees three foreign nationals and one local lodged complaints against him, accusing him of making inappropriate comments and unwanted physical advances. Despite the accused denying any physical contact and claiming his actions were misunderstood, Eswary ruled that he had violated Petronas's code of conduct and workplace standards.
Eswary commended Petronas for its prompt response to the complaints, highlighting the company's role in safeguarding its employees. She stated that it is imperative for a company, especially one of Petronas's stature, to prevent such behavior, particularly from senior officers who are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.
The court chairman also pointed out that Petronas conducted a domestic inquiry that adhered to the principles of natural justice, which further justified the dismissal. In summary, Eswary concluded that Petronas's decision to terminate the senior officer was appropriate given the severity of the misconduct and the company's responsibility to maintain a safe workplace.
This ruling sends a clear message about the importance of addressing sexual harassment in the workplace and the obligation of companies to act decisively in protecting their employees' rights and dignity.
