PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is conducting an internal investigation on a dentist who allegedly molested at least six secondary school students in Tawau.
Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the probe is being conducted in accordance with the rules and discipline of civil servants.
"The ministry views this matter seriously, as it touches on the code of (the suspect’s) professional ethics as a dental practitioner and civil servant.
"As the case is still under police investigation, the public is advised not to make any speculation," he said in a statement.
On Friday, the father of a Form Four student lodged a police report after his daughter claimed that the dentist had touched her breasts during a dental check-up.
It was reported that the incident allegedly took place at the school clinic at Jalan Kampung Jawa here.
Other victims soon began coming forward and lodged police reports against the dentist.
Police have obtained a three-day remand order on the 26-year-old dentist, who is attached with the district's health clinic.
He is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for assault, or use of criminal force on a person with intent to outrage their modesty.
The ministry, Dr Noor Hisham said, hopes that such an incident will not affect the school dental service.
"To date, the service has reduced dental diseases among school children by more than 95 per cent (among primary school students) and 85 percent among secondary school students," he added.