Lahad Datu: The Ministry of Health (MOH) will take prompt action based on the findings of the death of a pathology specialist in Lahad Datu, Sabah, which was revealed by an independent committee today. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry has identified actions related to human resources to tackle workload issues, among other things.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly emphasized the ministry’s commitment to implementing measures to improve the working environment for medical staff. He acknowledged the work pressure faced by the deceased, Dr Tay Tien Yaa, and highlighted it as the main focus of the investigation findings. The minister assured that steps would be taken, particularly concerning limited human resources, to address these issues promptly.

He added that the MOH had informed the late doctor’s family of the findings. “I understand and am aware of how difficult it is for the family to accept the findings as stated by the independent committee,” he said.

The independent inquiry investigating the death of the Lahad Datu Hospital pathologist found that her death did not involve the issue of bullying or excessive workload. Chairman of the inquiry, Tan Sri Borhan Dolah, clarified that claims of the deceased being pressured, oppressed, or bullied by her department head were baseless.

On Aug 29 last year, Dr Tay’s death, who purportedly committed suicide due to bullying by her department head, went viral on social media. This was revealed by the victim’s younger sibling, who claimed that Dr Tay was subjected to mistreatment by her department head at the Lahad Datu Hospital and faced immense pressure from the workload in the unit.