KUALA SELANGOR: Claims that the Health Ministry delayed investigating the death of a specialist doctor in Lahad Datu, Sabah, are unfounded, according to Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister denied allegations of a sluggish response from the Health Ministry regarding the tragic death of Dr Tay Tien Yaa, a pathology specialist at Hospital Lahad Datu.
He stated that the investigation, led by the Sabah State Health Department, began immediately with an independent panel unaffiliated with the ministry, addressing the issue promptly.
Dr Dzulkefly criticised statements by Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong as incorrect and misleading.
Dr Tay was found dead in her rental unit on Aug 29 amid allegations of workplace bullying.
She served as the head of the hospital’s Chemical Pathology Unit and lived alone.
On Tuesday (Oct 1), her brother, Tay Yong Shen, 31, disclosed that the family found evidence in her WhatsApp messages about her workload and treatment.
In response to these allegations, the Health Ministry has set up a special independent task force to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of her death.
Dzulkefly explained that the task force comprises independent experts in fields like medicine, psychiatry, pathology, mental health, and bullying behaviour, with no members from the Health Ministry.
He clarified that the findings would guide future actions, including potential compensation for Dr Tay’s family.
“We conducted an immediate internal investigation and formed the independent panel. Please, get the facts right, as I do not want any misinformation.
“Once all findings are confirmed, we will promptly decide on compensation. Please refrain from speculating until we know the results of the independent panel’s investigation,” he added.
