By Author 
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 — The Ministry of Health has pledged to take immediate action on workplace stress following the findings of a special independent task force investigating the death of pathologist Dr Tay Tien Yaa at Lahad Datu Hospital last August.
According to Utusan Malaysia, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad acknowledged that the issue of work stress had emerged prominently during the investigation.
He clarified that while the investigation did not support claims of bullying, it highlighted the extreme work pressure that mentally affected Dr Tay.
“According to the experts leading the task force, the bullying allegations did not meet the definition of bullying, but were related to factors such as the extreme work pressure that mentally affected the late Dr Tay.
“I am merely reiterating what Tan Sri (Borhan Dollah) mentioned and the reports provided to us.
“I am also deeply aware of the work stress and pressure faced by the late Dr Tay, which emerged as a key factor from the investigation,” Dzulkefly was quoted as saying.
He highlighted that Dr Tay’s move from Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), with its abundant resources, to Lahad Datu Hospital, with its limited resources, played a significant role in the stress and pressure he endured.
“As minister, I will take steps, particularly in situations with limited resources, to address and improve such conditions,” he added.
Earlier, the independent task force revealed that allegations of Dr Tay being bullied and mistreated at work were unfounded.
Tan Sri Borhan Dollah, who chaired the task force, confirmed that 19 witnesses, including four family members, 11 Lahad Datu Hospital staff, and other key individuals, had been interviewed during the investigation.
Dzulkefly also confirmed that the task force’s report had been submitted to Dr Tay’s family.
“Yes, I completely understand, and we all understand the emotional burden it places on the family.
“I am aware of the difficulty the family faces in accepting the findings as presented by the independent committee,” he said.
The minister further emphasised his commitment to addressing bullying in the workplace.
“I want to reiterate that as a minister leading this ministry for the second time, I will not compromise on any bullying allegations.
“It is crucial for me to ensure that, regardless of the conclusions and findings this time, I will continue to address and eliminate bullying,” he was quoted as saying by the national daily.