SINDIR BADAN (‘BODY SHAMING’) DI MALAYSIA: SUATU ANALISIS SEMULA TERHADAP SOSIO-PERUNDANGAN

BODY SHAMING IN MALAYSIA: A REAPPRAISAL OF THE SOCIO-LEGAL DIMENSIONS

Abstract

Isu ‘body shaming’ atau sindiran terhadap bentuk badan bukanlah fenomena baharu dalam masyarakat Malaysia masa kini. Pelbagai modus operandi digunakan oleh individu tidak bertanggungjawab untuk melakukan perbuatan ini, terutamanya melalui platform media sosial yang semakin meluas tanpa rasa bersalah. Mangsa lazimnya mengalami kesan negatif yang ketara dari segi kesihatan mental dan emosi, termasuk kemurungan, perasaan berdendam, mudah marah, hilang keyakinan diri, gangguan pemakanan, serta pelbagai masalah lain yang berpotensi membawa kepada kejadian tragis seperti bunuh diri. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah penyelidikan perundangan (legal research method) dan analisis kandungan (content analysis) terhadap peruntukan undang-undang, keputusan mahkamah, serta dokumen berkaitan. Justeru, kajian ini menumpukan perhatian kepada isu ‘body shaming’ daripada perspektif kerangka perundangan sedia ada di Malaysia, sebagai usaha membendung penularan fenomena yang tidak sihat ini. Hal ini penting memandangkan masih ramai dalam kalangan masyarakat yang kurang memahami aspek perundangan berkaitan perbuatan buli ini.

The phenomenon of body shaming—the act of making disparaging remarks about an individual's physical appearance—is not a recent development in Malaysian society. However, the proliferation of social media platforms has enabled such behaviour to occur more frequently and with greater anonymity, often without remorse on the part of the perpetrators. Victims are frequently subjected to serious psychological and emotional consequences, including depression, resentment, irritability, diminished self-esteem, eating disorders, and in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. This study employs a doctrinal legal research methodology and content analysis to examine relevant statutory provisions, judicial decisions, and supporting legal documents. The primary objective is to analyse body shaming within the context of Malaysia’s existing legal framework and to assess its adequacy in addressing and deterring this harmful social behaviour. The study underscores the urgency of legal literacy and public awareness, as many individuals remain unaware of the legal implications surrounding bullying and body shaming in the digital age.