The department’s director, Dr Kasemani Embong, said the investigation followed a viral post on X on Sept 17.

She said the post, by user “Matdan The Great (@rushashraf)”, expressed dissatisfaction with the service provided by the maternity ward staff to the complainant’s sister and newborn niece.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that the complainant’s sister was admitted to the maternity ward at Dungun Hospital on Sept 16 and safely delivered the baby at 5.08am.

“However, the baby was found to be experiencing breathing difficulties and was given initial treatment to stabilise her condition before being transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit at Kemaman Hospital at 7.45am,” she said in a statement today.

Kasemani said the baby could not be saved and died after 40 hours of treatment at the unit.

She said the department is investigating the cause of death and is committed to ensuring a prompt and comprehensive review.

“The department takes the concerns raised by the complainant very seriously and has established an independent committee to investigate the matter.

“We will also implement appropriate improvements based on every comment made,” she said, inviting public input to enhance the quality of health services.