Women’s group demands action against doctor accused of sexual crimes

Women’s group demands action against doctor accused of sexual crimes

The doctor was arrested earlier this month for allegedly molesting a patient at a private clinic in Bayan Baru.

doctor doktor
WCC called on the health ministry to investigate the doctor and urged the Malaysian Medical Council to suspend his medical licence pending legal proceedings. (Rawpixel pic)
GEORGE TOWN:
The Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) has questioned why a Penang-based doctor previously arrested four times for alleged sexual crimes has yet to be charged.

In a statement, WCC also asked why the doctor was still allowed to treat patients.

WCC said it was appalled by the inaction, especially after the doctor was arrested earlier this month for allegedly molesting a patient at a private clinic in Bayan Baru.

According to police, the latest incident allegedly occurred on June 29 when the victim visited the clinic for stomach pain.

During the examination, the doctor allegedly instructed her to undress and then inappropriately touched her.

WCC said this was the fourth reported case involving the doctor in question, with earlier arrests in February and March involving allegations by three other women.

The doctor also allegedly filmed patients during examinations and asked them to jog topless under the guise of medical checks.

“Police said in March that investigation papers had been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP). So why haven’t any charges been filed?” WCC asked.

“Why is this doctor still allowed to practise, including taking locum shifts at private clinics? What action has been taken by hospital authorities or the health ministry?”

WCC called on the health ministry to investigate the doctor and urged the Malaysian Medical Council to immediately suspend his medical licence pending legal proceedings.

It also urged the Attorney-General’s Chambers and police to expedite the investigation and bring charges against the doctor in all four cases without further delay.

Penang cops to further probe doctor

Acting Penang police chief Alwi Zainal Abidin said the doctor was rearrested on Monday over the molestation claim and remanded for three days before being released on bail.

He said police would record several statements to complete the investigation papers.

The DPP has instructed police to wrap up their probe into all four cases involving the doctor, he added.

“For the three cases reported in the Timur Laut district, we have completed the investigation and submitted the papers to the DPP’s office for further action and instructions.

“However, we recently received instructions from the DPP’s office to include this fourth case and complete the overall investigation.

“We are currently working on it before resubmitting the papers to the DPP,” Bernama quoted him as saying at a press conference today.

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