PETALING JAYA: The Health Minister has called for a thorough probe into the death of a specialist doctor at Hospital Lahad Datu in Sabah.

Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said he has taken a zero-tolerance approach on bullying since his first stint as Health Minister in 2018 and stressed his steadfast, ongoing commitment towards that policy.

“All Health Ministry staff deserve a safe and just working environment,” he said in a post on X yesterday.

Such a toxic work culture persists and perpetrators should stop their actions, he added, after the death of Dr Tay Tien Yaa, a pathology specialist with Hospital Lahad Datu who was found dead in her rental unit on Aug 29 following alleged workplace bullying.

Dr Tay, 30, headed the Chemical Pathology Unit of the hospital.

In a statement, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) called for the Health Ministry and Sabah Health Department to expedite a thorough investigation into the matter. MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the tragic loss underscores serious concerns about the mental health and well-being of doctors in the public healthcare system.

“The medical community is monitoring the situation closely, and we appreciate a swift and transparent response.

“The MMA remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the mental health, welfare and working conditions of all healthcare professionals, ensuring a safe and supportive work environment,” he said.

Dr Kalwinder also expressed MMA’s condolences to the late doctor’s family, friends and colleagues.

“We respectfully ask the public to refrain from speculation, allowing the proper processes to take place,” he said.

Dr Kalwinder encouraged healthcare workers experiencing challenges to reach out to the MMA through the Helpdoc platform at helpdoc@mma.org.my for support.

Those suffering from problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929), visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a complete list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/17/growing-calls-for-probe-into-doctors-death-in-sabah