PETALING JAYA: Complainants and witnesses in the sexual harassment and workplace bullying allegations involving a Sabah public hospital director must be protected from intimidation and retaliation, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said allegations involving abuse of authority, harassment or workplace bullying must be investigated independently, fairly and within a reasonable timeframe.
“MMA calls for continued protection of all complainants and witnesses, strict confidentiality throughout the investigation and disciplinary processes, and appropriate action based on the findings without fear or favour,” he said in a statement on Friday (July 24).
He said existing reporting and protection mechanisms should also be reviewed to ensure serious complaints were handled independently and effectively.
Rajoo said MMA had raised the matter directly with the Health Ministry after receiving a complaint through its HelpDoc channel.
“We appreciate that the ministry has taken the matter seriously and trust that the necessary urgent action will be taken based on the investigation findings,” he said.
MMA noted that police had begun an investigation, while the Sabah Health Department had confirmed that a detailed investigation by a special committee appointed by the Health Ministry had been completed.
Follow-up action was underway in accordance with the relevant procedures and laws.
Rajoo said MMA would not prejudge the outcome of the ongoing processes but stressed that healthcare workers must have confidence that complaints would be addressed fairly and effectively.
He said this was not the first workplace safety concern reported within Sabah’s public healthcare system.
In 2024, MMA highlighted separate allegations of prolonged bullying, verbal abuse, threats and pressure to disregard standard operating procedures at another public hospital unit.
Media reports at the time indicated that 11 medical officers had left the unit amid the allegedly toxic working environment.
Rajoo stressed that the two cases were separate and must be considered based on their respective facts.
However, he said both cases highlighted broader concerns over the safety and welfare of healthcare professionals.
“A toxic workplace is not only a staff welfare issue. It affects morale, patient safety and workforce retention.
“Malaysia cannot invest heavily in training doctors and nurses, only to lose them because the working environment has become unsafe or intolerable,” he said.
He added that recruitment alone would not resolve healthcare workforce shortages unless factors driving personnel away were also addressed.
MMA said it was prepared to work with the Health Ministry to strengthen workplace safety, accountability and trust throughout the healthcare system.
