Task force chairman Borhan Dollah said they found no evidence to support claims that the late Dr Tay Tien Yaa had been mistreated by her department head.

“Based on our investigation, no conflict arose between her and the department head. They worked professionally. This can be proven from interviews with their colleagues and subordinates,” he said at a press conference here today.

He also said there was no proof that Tay had been burdened with work outside of her scope or referred to for duties outside her field.

“From our investigation, we found that the tasks carried out were as specified in the list of duties and job descriptions, with none extending beyond her scope or outside her field of duties.

“As the deputy head of the department, she was also responsible for managing procurement, store management matters, and so on. Document evidence supports that there were no issues related to her being overburdened with work.”

Borhan added there was no evidence that an application to be posted in West Malaysia was ignored. He said Tay filed no appeals with the state health department or ministry’s human resources department to remain in the peninsula.

He said the independent committee had gone through 41 documents, including pictures and videos, in its inquiry into Tay’s death.

He added that Tay was a “city girl” who had moved to a new location with a different culture all by herself.

Tay, a pathologist at Lahad Datu Hospital, died on Aug 29. Her sister alleged that bullying, immense pressure, and an excessive workload might have been factors leading to her death.

The Malaysian Medical Association subsequently urged the health ministry and Sabah health department to expedite a thorough investigation into the matter, expressing concern over the mental health and well-being of doctors in the public healthcare system.

Borhan said the task force submitted several recommendations to the health ministry following its inquiry, including for the provision of better support for healthcare workers posted away from home to help them adapt to different cultures and environments.

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad also acknowledged the work stress and pressures Tay had faced, noting the limitations in resources compared with her previous position at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.