The remarks, made by a veterinarian in the wildlife rescue unit (WRU), are said to have been made against several women members of the unit.
State tourism, culture and environment minister Jafry Ariffin said he viewed the allegations, which were highlighted by a former female worker who had resigned from the WRU, seriously.
Jafry said the SWD had already taken disciplinary action against the senior personnel on Oct 20 under the Sabah civil service rules for making the inappropriate comments on his Facebook.
However, he did not specify if the person would be suspended from work.
“The man admitted his actions have damaged the civil service’s good name,” Jafry said in a statement today.
Jafry’s statement comes after 38 civil society organisations (CSOs) and 289 individuals issued a joint statement today urging the government to immediately probe what they called were “allegations of sexual and monetary misconduct” happening at the government department.
The spokesman for the group, Sabrina Aripen, said the WRU senior staff had posted a Facebook photo of three young women, with a caption using a derogatory term to describe female dogs.
Sabrina said the post was taken down shortly after, with an amended caption and a short apology.
However, she added that the new post, accusing the same senior staff of various misdeeds, was made the same day.
One of them was the former woman staff who had resigned from the WRU. She had shared her resignation letter on Facebook after quitting in July 2019.
In the letter, the former WRU staff alleged there was a “tense and hostile work environment” in the WRU. She also claimed that funds were not properly allocated to necessary services, and salaries were not paid in full.
She also spoke of several disturbing incidents of harassment and unethical behaviour, including name-calling.
“This is cause for concern as this involves public funds. We are also concerned with the disrespectful behaviour and treatment towards women in the department,” Sabrina said.
On the alleged abuse of funds in the WRU, Jafry said the SWD had actually reached out to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council CEO on March 8, 2019, to get their feedback on the matter.
According to the report obtained, he said the use of funds, including for activities outside the unit’s work, is allowed and up to the discretion of the officer in-charge of the funds.
“The ministry will definitely not compromise on any wrongdoing and will take firm action against any staff who abuse their power as we prioritise the safety and welfare of all our staff,” he said.