An independent inquiry body has recommended the Health Ministry (MOH) to take necessary actions to suspend its head of department (HOD) in a hospital in Klang Valley for alleged sexual misconduct, said its minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said the inquiry body, comprising MOH and Women, Family and Community Development Ministry members, being set up to probe into the matter, also recommended that a report be lodged to the Malaysian Medical Council (MPM) to investigate the senior doctor for professional misconduct based on the provisions provided under the Medical Act 1971.

"The findings revealed that there were enough grounds for MOH to proceed with further action against the said HOD. MOH was recommended to take the necessary action to suspend the HOD to facilitate further investigations by relevant authorities,” he said in a statement.

According to Dzulkefly, the suspension is in line with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) 1993.

As for rumours about the transfer of doctors and specialists, he said an official statement would be issued by the ministry on the matter.

It was reported that several victims had complained of an orthopaedics HOD in a Klang Valley public hospital, who had allegedly sexually harassed and made advances towards house officers.