JOHOR BARU: Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon has debunked claims that an abandoned staff quarters next to the Bakar Batu health clinic is haunted.
Footage of the abandoned wooden structure and claims that it is haunted have been circulating on social media.
Some netizens were led to believe that the clinic was also in poor shape.
The clinic and the abandoned staff quarters are situated in the same compound, separated by concrete fencing and a signboard that reads "Kinik Kesihatan Bakar Baru".
The viral video featuring the abandoned building has been deleted and the TikTok account that posted it has been deactivated.
Ling, during his visit to the abandoned staff quarters, said the viral video sparked controversy and caused confusion among the people.
"I am here to set the record straight. It is definitely not haunted, nor is that the clinic's condition.
"The building was used as staff quarters and has been abandoned for several years.
"The building has been approved to be demolished to make way for the expansion of the Bakar Batu health clinic."
He said the clinic was last renovated in 2010 and is still in good condition.
He said after the video about the abandoned staff quarters went viral, there were calls from the public for the authorities to probe the matter.
"The footage created misconceptions. Some people believe the clinic is depilated and haunted.
"Now that the record has been set right, I hope social media users will conduct due diligence before spreading false rumours that can cause unease."
Ling said the state Health Department prioritised maintaining the condition of healthcare facilities and the services provided.
Last year, the state government received an allocation of RM13 million to upgrade 29 clinics in the state.
The state government allocated RM5.742 million in its 2024 Budget to improve the quality of health services in the state.