Dr Thirunavukarasu said police had also commenced investigations into the case, while MMA would not prejudge the outcome of the ongoing processes.
KUCHING (July 25): The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called for safe workplaces and stronger protection for complainants following allegations of sexual harassment and workplace bullying involving a public hospital director in Sabah.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said allegations involving abuse of authority, sexual harassment or workplace bullying must be investigated independently, fairly and within a reasonable timeframe, while complainants and witnesses must be protected from intimidation or retaliation.
According to Bernama on Thursday, investigations into allegations of misconduct, sexual assault and workplace bullying involving the hospital director have been completed, with recommendations now being implemented in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws.
The Sabah Health Department said the investigation was conducted by a special committee appointed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) after the allegations went viral on social media.
The department also stressed that it would not tolerate any form of misconduct, particularly sexual assault, harassment and workplace bullying.
Dr Thirunavukarasu said police had also commenced investigations into the case, while MMA would not prejudge the outcome of the ongoing processes.
“As these processes are ongoing, MMA will not prejudge their outcome. However, allegations involving abuse of authority, sexual harassment or workplace bullying must be investigated independently, fairly and within a reasonable timeframe,” he said.
He said MMA had raised the matter directly with MOH after receiving a complaint through its HelpDoc channel.
He welcomed the ministry’s response, saying MMA appreciated that the matter had been taken seriously and trusted that appropriate action would be taken based on the investigation findings.
Dr Thirunavukarasu said the case was not the first workplace safety concern reported within Sabah’s public healthcare system.
In 2024, he said MMA had highlighted allegations of prolonged bullying, verbal abuse, threats and pressure to disregard standard operating procedures in another public hospital unit, where media reports indicated that 11 medical officers had left due to a toxic working environment.
While the two cases were unrelated, he said they highlighted the broader need to ensure healthcare professionals had a safe working environment and confidence that complaints would be handled fairly and effectively.
He said toxic workplaces not only affected staff welfare but could also impact 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 called for continued protection of 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.
Dr Thirunavukarasu said MMA remained ready to work with MOH to strengthen workplace safety, accountability and trust across the healthcare system.
He added that doctors experiencing workplace stress, bullying, burnout, or administrative and welfare issues could seek assistance through MMA’s HelpDoc service, with all complaints treated in strict confidence.
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