Dr Kelvin Yii (PH- Bandar Kuching) said the directive must be applied to staff at all levels.

The DAP MP made the suggestion in response to an incident at the Kampar Hospital on Sunday, where a woman alleged that she was refused treatment because she was wearing shorts.

“Our job as healthcare practitioners is to save lives and not place anyone in harm’s way, regardless of their beliefs, skin colour and citizenship status,” said Yii, while debating the King’s royal address in the Dewan Rakyat.

“I do not want the actions of a certain individual to ruin the good work done by the majority of (healthcare practitioners).”

The 21-year-old woman had gone to the hospital’s emergency department to seek treatment for menstrual cramps and high blood pressure.

Upon arriving at the hospital, the woman was informed by a medical officer that she was dressed inappropriately as she was wearing shorts, and was asked to change and wear a pair of long pants instead, before being allowed entry into the emergency room.

Yesterday, the Perak state government said that it would investigate the allegations made by the patient.