“I have had zero tolerance towards bullying since 2018 and shall remain steadfast on this policy,” he said in a posting on X. Dzulkefly previously served as health minister from May 2018 to February 2020.

“All health ministry staff deserve a safe and just working environment.”

Dzulkefly was responding to news reports on the death of Dr Tay Tien Yaa on Aug 29, just six months after she reported for duty as head of the chemical pathology unit at the hospital.

Earlier today, Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran urged the health ministry to investigate after reading a Facebook post by the specialist’s sister.

He said the passionate post talked about alleged bullying that may have been one of the causes, adding that the health minister and the director-general must address the matter as the claims had gone viral on social media.

In the post yesterday, the younger sister said the Russian-trained doctor in 2013 had completed her masters in chemical pathology last year at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

The sister said her whole family is still in shock after being informed by the hospital on Aug 29, just six months after she reported for duty, that her sister had died.

“Problems related to pressure and bullying at work happen and it is a serious matter. Her loss is not just a personal tragedy but it reflects on the existing healthcare system we have,” she said.

Netizens have expressed outrage over the doctor’s death, calling for accountability and demanding action in the healthcare sector.

No foul play

Meanwhile, Lahad Datu district police chief Dzulbaharin Ismail said yesterday the incident has been classified as sudden death.

He added that no foul play was suspected, The Star reported.

“We are still waiting for a report from the chemistry department, after which we will forward the case to the coroner for the next course of action,” he was quoted as saying.

As for claims of alleged bullying, Dzulbaharin said he would leave it to the health ministry to investigate.