KOTA KINABALU: Police began investigating an alleged sexual harassment case involving a hospital director in Sabah months before it went viral on social media.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the alleged incident occurred in October last year, while a police report was lodged in January.
“The case only went viral yesterday, but police had already conducted an investigation under Section 509 of the Penal Code,” he said after the Sabah police contingent headquarters’ monthly assembly on Thursday (July 23).
Jauteh said an investigation paper was opened following the report and that investigations were continuing to complete the case.
Separately, the Sabah Health Department said a detailed investigation into social media allegations of sexual assault and workplace bullying involving a hospital director in the state had been completed.
It said the probe was conducted by a special committee appointed by the Health Ministry and its findings had been submitted.
“Follow-up action is being implemented in accordance with the relevant procedures and laws currently in force,” the department said in a statement today.
The department said it viewed the allegations seriously and would not compromise on any form of misconduct, particularly sexual assault, harassment or workplace bullying.
“Such conduct is contrary to the values of integrity and ethics in the public service, besides affecting the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers,” it said.
The department said it remained committed to ensuring that healthcare personnel could work in a safe, respectful and conducive environment.
It also urged all parties to allow the ongoing administrative process to be completed in an orderly and fair manner.
The issue surfaced after Kepayan assemblyman Chin Tek Ming circulated a video urging the authorities to thoroughly investigate allegations of sexual harassment and bullying linked to personnel at a Kota Kinabalu hospital.
