More housemen lodge abuse complaints

KUALA LUMPUR: Right on the heels of media reports of sexual abuse of housemen in a Klang Valley hospital, the Health Ministry confirmed that more victims, including housemen, have come forward to lodge similar complaints.

In a statement issued yesterday, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said following the expose by The Star, more housemen had come forward to his ministry to make similar complaints.

The ministry urges all victims who face abuse or harassment of any form at the hospital workplace to email to drdzul@moh.gov.my to report directly to Dr Dzulkefly.

Earlier in the day, Dr Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry will collaborate with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to handle the issue of a sex predator in a Klang Valley hospital.

He said a meeting would be arranged with Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her deputy Hannah Yeoh.

“We are conducting a detailed investigation to get to the bottom of this. It is not something we are unaware of, but there has been no concrete action so far.

“We are looking at sending a stern warning to those who allow this toxic culture to exist,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

It has also been decided at a meeting yesterday that an independent inquiry body would be set up to look into the matter, with representatives from the Health Ministry, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and other relevant government agencies.