Young M’sian Doctor Allegedly Takes Own Life Due to Workplace Bullying at Sabah Hospital

Malaysian doctors are already having a hard time as it is, having to endure problems like inhumane working hours and immense pressure.

So, why should they also endure bullying?

Netizen, YS Tay, recently took to his Facebook page to share that his sister, a young specialist doctor named Dr Tay Tien Yaa had committed suicide due to workplace bullying at the Lahad Datu Hospital in Sabah.

He started his post by sharing some details about his sister’s impressive educational background, having completed her Master’s Degree in Chemical Pathology in 2023. That same year, she also got married.

“On February 19, 2024, with great anticipation, she reported to the Pathology Department, at Hospital Lahad Datu, where she was appointed as the Head of the Chemical Pathology Unit,”

“Lahad Datu was a brand new and unfamiliar place to her. Being separated from her husband who has been her pillar of support, she held onto the promise given to her that she would be transferred back to Peninsula Malaysia to start a family with her husband after 2 years of service at Hospital Lahad Datu,” he shared.

Within a few months of her placement in Sabah, Dr Tay had strived to improve the quality of healthcare at the hospital, through enhancing the facilities in her unit to improve diagnostic accuracy. She even worked tirelessly to secure resources and managed to obtain a computer for her unit.

Though, only 6 months later, she was gone. 

“On August 29, the hospital notified the family of the devastating news. Dr. Tay Tien Yaa had taken her own life. In the overwhelming shock of losing you, your close family and friends were left with endless regret, guilt, sorrow and self-blame,”

“After speaking with a few of your colleagues and close friends, they all described you as diligent, humble and highly passionately committed to serving society. Every colleague acknowledged these qualities in you,” he continued.

He then went on to share how Dr Tay had allegedly been bullied by her boss.

“However, the only person who mistreated, oppressed and caused you to suffer in silence was that irresponsible head of the department. He manipulated you, delegated jobs to you which were beyond your job scope, and hindered the development of your unit,”

“Already overloaded with your own work duties, you were also assigned to deal with instrument inspections, guidance, endless meetings, mountains of paperwork, managing department personnel, planning the department’s budget and so on. Enough is enough! The newly appointed head of the department had been bullying you and oppressing you, exploiting his authority,” he explained.

Highlighting how sadly common bullying and exploitation are in the field of medicine in Malaysia, YS called for the authorities to actually care about these problems faced by local doctors.

“Have the mentors and national leaders become numb and indifferent to these tragedies? Who else will stand up for young doctors, raise their voices for justice and seek accountability?”

“For this is not just about losing a loved one, it is a deep reflection on the entire medical system. Her talents and hard work should not have been drowned in such a hostile environment. Her passing calls for much-needed attention to the mental health of medical professionals in their workplace,” he added.

Considering how much local doctors sacrifice to care for us, the least we can do is show them that we care about them too!

Our sincerest condolences to Dr. Tay’s family and friends.

What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

Also read: M’sians Call For Answers Over Reports Of Overworking & Bullying Of Trainee Doctors At HPP