Health Ministry sets up task force to probe death of Lahad Datu doctor

The Health Ministry will establish an independent special task force to probe the death of pathology specialist Dr Tay Tien Yaa at the Lahad Datu Hospital on Aug 29.

In a statement today, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said his ministry would never tolerate bullying, which is believed to have driven Tay to commit suicide.

"The special task force, which will be in effect from Oct 10, will be led by Borhan Dollah, who has served in various roles in the civil service and was last the director-general of Public Services.

"The task force will also comprise five independent members who are not from the Health Ministry, but have expertise in medicine, psychiatry, pathology, mental health and cases of bullying," he added.

The five are UCSI vice-chancellor Siti Hamisah Tapsir, Public Services Commission member Dr Azman Abu Bakar, legal expert and Medical Devices Authority Board member Mohamed Fazin Mahmud, award-winning pathology specialist Dr Looi Lai Meng and Dr Chan Loi Fong, a psychiatrist specialising in suicide prevention.

According to Dzulkefly, aside from analysing the input from investigations into Tay's death, the special task force will also study the work culture at the Lahad Datu Hospital.

"It would also identify and try to ascertain if there was bullying involved in the Lahad Datu Hospital, particularly in the Pathology Department.

"The task force would identify the common type of bullying that happens in the Health Ministry, as well as internal and external factors that contribute to the act.

"The task force will prepare a report on Tay's death, together with proposals to prevent and handle bullying cases at health facilities, in three months from the date of its establishment," he said.

No foul play

Following Tay's death on Aug 29, her family alleged she committed suicide after being pressured and oppressed.

Lahad Datu police chief Dzulbaharin Ismail said they were aware of the suicide allegations but ruled out foul play.

Dzulkefly also called for a probe into the matter, saying that all Health Ministry staff deserve a safe and just working environment.

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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