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The Malaysian government has established a special task force to investigate the death of a doctor in Sabah, Dr Tay Tien Yaa, who allegedly committed suicide due to workplace bullying. Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has promised full transparency in the case and stated that the findings of the task force will be made public once the investigations are completed. Dr Tay, who was 30 years old and headed the Chemical Pathology Unit at Hospital Lahad Datu, was found dead in her rental home on Aug 29. Her family members claimed that she had been mistreated and oppressed by a senior colleague at the hospital.
The death of Dr Tay gained public attention after her brother posted on Facebook about her suicide, linking it to workplace bullying. Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly emphasized the importance of accountability, responsibility, and transparency in handling the case. He stated that the findings of the task force will not be kept a secret, and they will be publicized to ensure full awareness among all parties involved. The task force has been given a three-month mandate to investigate the allegations of workplace bullying that may have contributed to Dr Tay’s suicide.
The independent task force, chaired by former Director-General of Public Service Mr Borhan Dolah, includes prominent figures such as former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir, and senior pathologist and consultant at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Professor Emeritus Dr Looi Lai Meng. The Ministry of Health in Malaysia has taken a firm stance against bullying and is committed to handling such matters with transparency and prompt reporting after thorough investigations. The task force’s objective is to identify the factors and circumstances surrounding Dr Tay’s alleged suicide and take appropriate action.
CNA had previously reported that the public healthcare system in Malaysia faces challenges such as overworked staff and a high-stakes environment, which can contribute to workplace bullying. Experts have emphasized the importance of punishing culprits and providing support to overworked healthcare professionals in the aftermath of Dr Tay’s tragic death. The case has highlighted the need for a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace bullying and the importance of creating a safe and supportive work environment for all healthcare workers. The Malaysian government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling this case is a step towards addressing the issue of workplace bullying in the healthcare sector.
