Hospital director transferred over sexual harassment probe, says Dzulkefly

KOTA KINABALU: The Health Ministry has moved a hospital director in Sabah following a probe into an alleged sexual harassment incident, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The director, who was previously at the helm of the hospital, has been reassigned to a medical officer role within the Sabah Health Department, pending further administrative decisions.

The ministry completed its internal investigation, which included granting the victim full support and psychiatric care, as well as a return to a more stable working environment, Dzulkefly announced during a press conference following the university's convocation ceremony.

Earlier this month, the issue came to light when Kapayan assemblyman Chin Teck Ming and Sabah Warisan Health Bureau chief Dr Istefan Koh raised concerns over the alleged misconduct. The Sabah police also confirmed that a report was filed with the authorities earlier this year. The official report, based on the director's rank, has been handed over to the Public Service Department for its jurisdiction over the matter.

Dzulkefly emphasized the importance of addressing mental health, particularly among students. He mentioned that the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEM) is collaborating with the Education Ministry to tackle mental health challenges in schools. The collaboration aims to identify early signs and trends, especially among adolescents and minors, who are considered a vulnerable group requiring immediate attention and a swift response.