No foul play in doctor's death in Lahad Datu, says cops

KOTA KINABALU: Police do not suspect any foul play was involved in the death of a specialist doctor whose body was found in her house in Sabah’s east coast Lahad Datu district over two weeks ago.

Lahad Datu police chief Asst Comm Dzulbaharin Ismail said they were aware of claims on social media by the deceased’s family that she had taken her life because she was a victim of bullying.

"However, we have not ascertained why the incident happened, but from our probe, there is no foul play involved at the moment," he said when contacted on Sunday (Sept 15).

"We have classified it as a sudden death report.

"We are still waiting for a report from the Chemistry Department, after which we will forward the case to the coroner for the next course of action," he added.

ACP Dzulbaharin said the body of the woman, aged in her 30s, was found on Aug 30, adding a report was lodged the same day.

He said they would leave the matter of bullying claims to the health authorities.

Earlier, a family member had alleged over Facebook that the doctor, who was attached to the Lahad Datu hospital, committed suicide after being allegedly bullied by a senior official at the hospital.

The brother said she had reported for duty at the Lahad Datu hospital in February of this year and had become the head of a department there.

But they were shocked, the family member said, when the hospital contacted the family to inform them that his sister had died, believed due to suicide, at her rented house on Aug 29.

The family member had alleged that the senior official, also a specialist, had abused their power to oppress those below them.

He claimed the official overloaded his sister with work on top of her already busy schedule. Some doctors and friends of the same age had taken their grief to social media, but the higher-ups ignored their voices.

When contacted, Sabah health director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna said the state Health Department will issue a statement soon once the Health Ministry approves it.

Those contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/ 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/ 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929/ email [e-mail]/ befrienders centres in Malaysia).