KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry's delay in forming a taskforce to investigate the death of a Lahad Datu doctor raises concerns about its commitment to healthcare workers' safety, says Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong.
Khoo said she was disappointed over the ministry's announcement on Oct 2 that the taskforce would only be established on Oct 10, more than a month after the passing of Dr. Tay Tien Yaa on Aug 29.
"I appreciate Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad's call for a thorough investigation and zero-tolerance towards bullying, but the delay in setting up the taskforce is concerning," Khoo said.
He warned that the delay could hinder justice for Dr Tay and the reforms needed to protect healthcare workers.
Khoo told the ministry to act immediately, make the taskforce's findings public, and take swift action to address workplace issues like overwork and mental health.
He also called for stronger support measures like MyHelp and SISPAA and collaboration with stakeholders, including the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), to promote healthcare worker welfare.
Khoo further asked for postvention support for Dr Tay's family and substantial ex-gratia payments, given the circumstances of her death.
"This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect healthcare workers," Khoo added.
On Oct 2, Dr Tay's family claimed she was mistreated, citing long hours and unreasonable workloads as contributing factors to her death.
The late doctor's mother Lim Siang Heyeo, 64, and brother, Tay Yong Shen, 31, claimed the deceased was also forced to work long hours.
At a press conference led by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong, Dr Tay's mother and brother said they believed the specialist doctor's mistreatment contributed to her decision to end her life.
"It is unimaginable how much unreasonable work my sister was assigned to, as she worked from morning until night without any rest," Dr Tay's brother said.