Health Ministry hands sexual harassment report to MACC

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has submitted its report on a sexual harassment case involving an orthopaedic department head of a public hospital to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC).

Its deputy minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the report was submitted to MACC to investigate any possible corruption.

Dr Lee also urged the victims involved to make a police report.

“We have checked the main police stations around Klang Valley and there were none, even though the victims alleged that they had made police reports.

“But if there is police report, it would be good if they show it to us and we can get the police to initiate the necessary investigation,” he said during a press conference after launching the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia 2nd FPMPAM/IPH Annual Scientific Convention incorporating the 1st FPMPAM Malaysian Healthcare Conference yesterday.

In July, The Star carried an exclusive report on house officers who alleged that they were bullied and sexually harassed by the head of department in a hospital in the Klang Valley.

While the police needed to do its part, Dr Lee said the ministry had initiated the suspension of the department head concerned.

“The ministry has also written to the JPA (Public Service Department) for it to initiate the suspension in view of further disciplinary action,” he said.

Dr Lee said the Malaysian Medical Council would also be taking action on the alleged perpetrator.