Health minister wants probe into death of Lahad Datu doctor

After the death of Dr Tay Tien Yaa at the Lahad Datu district hospital on Aug 29, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has called for a probe into the matter.

In a post on social media, he said that all Health Ministry staff deserve a safe and just working environment.

“The death of Dr Tay Tien Yaa must be further investigated.

“I have had zero tolerance towards bullying since 2018 (when he began his first stint as health minister) and shall remain steadfast on this policy,” he said.

Without elaborating, Dzulkefly (above) indicated that there were a few cases in hand.

Yesterday, it was reported that Lahad Datu police had ruled out foul play in the death of Tay, a pathology specialist at the district hospital, who allegedly committed suicide as she was a victim of bullying.

District police chief Dzulbaharin Ismail said they were aware of the suicide allegations made by a family member but the police have not ascertained why the incident happened.

“But from our probe, there is no foul play involved at the moment,” he said.

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

Allegations of bullying by senior staff

According to an obituary published by Lahad Datu Hospital, Tay died on Aug 29.

Her brother, who goes by YA Tay, on a Facebook post said the doctor had been in Lahad Datu for only six months and alleged she died by suicide after being pressured and oppressed.

He said his newlywed sister was supposed to return after a two-year stint in Lahad Datu, on Sabah’s east coast.

When contacted by Malaysiakini, Tay’s sister, Wenya Tay, confirmed her death and that her brother had made the Facebook post.

However, she declined to comment further, citing the ongoing police investigation.

Tay’s death comes amid complaints of poor work conditions and bullying of healthcare workers in Sabah public hospitals by senior personnel.

It was reported that doctors had suffered verbal and physical abuse in a hospital, being subjected to profanities, racial slurs, and even threats with sharp objects for not following orders.

If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, or know someone who is, please call the following hotlines:

Talian Kasih
Hotline: 15999

The Befrienders
Hotline: 03-76272929

Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia
Hotline: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800

Life Line Association Malaysia
Hotline: 03-42657995

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