This followed a furore over social media and the Chinese press regarding a notice posted by the hospital which read: “Estimated waiting time to meet a doctor is six hours. This department is committed to giving the best service.”

In a statement, Penang Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the waiting time is caused by an “extraordinary” increase in the number of out-patients seeking treatment at the A&E of late.

He said the state Health Department is working on measures to ensure the problem is resolved.

“In the meantime, patients who are not critical or do not need emergency service, should head to the ‘after working hours clinic’ at the hospital, or the health clinics in the state so the A&E’s load can be reduced.

“Also, those encountering problems could convey their complaints through the right channels, rather than making speculations that would only ruin the image of the hardworking state health department,” Afif said.

In a statement yesterday, state Health Department director Dr Asmayani Khalib said it understood the hardship experienced by the patients and would remain open-minded over criticism from all.

She said on average, there were 400 patients a day at the A&E wards.

But she said more than 50% of patients are not emergency or critical cases.

“The notice on the waiting time is actually posted in the Green Zone area, for non-emergency or non-critical cases, especially during peak hours.

“However, after peak hours, our staff did not remove the sign, causing many to be upset. We would like to apologise over that,” she said.

Asmayanı said the “after working hours clinic” remained open for all from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays and from 9am to 10pm over the weekend.