MMA calls for independent probe, stronger protection for complainants after Sabah hospital scandal.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has voiced serious concern over allegations of sexual harassment and workplace bullying involving a public hospital director in Sabah, calling for independent and timely investigations along with stronger safeguards for those who come forward with complaints.
In a statement today, MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the association acknowledged that police investigations were already underway and that the Sabah State Health Department had confirmed the completion of a detailed probe by a special committee appointed by the Health Ministry. Follow-up action, he said, is now being carried out in line with the relevant procedures and laws.
While stressing that MMA would not prejudge the outcome of ongoing processes, the association insisted that allegations involving abuse of authority, sexual harassment or workplace bullying must be investigated independently, fairly and within a reasonable timeframe. It also called for complainants and witnesses to be shielded from any form of intimidation or retaliation.
MMA revealed that it had raised the matter directly with the Health Ministry after receiving a complaint through its HelpDoc channel, adding that it trusted the ministry would take necessary and urgent action based on the investigation’s findings.
Dr Thirunavukarasu noted that this is not an isolated case within Sabah’s public healthcare system. In 2024, MMA had flagged similar concerns involving another public hospital unit, where allegations included prolonged bullying, verbal abuse, threats, and pressure on staff to disregard standard operating procedures. Media reports at the time indicated that 11 medical officers had left the unit due to the toxic working environment.
While describing the two cases as separate matters that must be assessed on their own facts, Dr Thirunavukarasu said they point to a broader, recurring issue — the need for healthcare professionals to work in safe environments where complaints are handled fairly and effectively.
He warned that a toxic workplace culture is not merely a staff welfare concern but one that directly 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. Recruitment alone will not solve our workforce challenges if these push factors are not addressed,” he said.
MMA is calling for continued protection of all complainants and witnesses, strict confidentiality throughout investigation and disciplinary processes, appropriate action based on findings without fear or favour, and a review of existing reporting and protection mechanisms to ensure serious complaints are addressed independently and effectively.
The association said it remains ready to work with the Health Ministry to strengthen workplace safety, accountability and trust across the healthcare system.
Doctors experiencing workplace stress, bullying, burnout, or administrative and welfare issues can reach out to MMA’s HelpDoc service via email at [email protected] or by calling the hotline at +603-40411140, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. MMA has assured that all complaints will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
