A former doctor recently came forth with a damning allegation that a group of gangsters often make an appearance at the morgue of a public hospital in Sarawak while acting as agents for funeral services.
On top of that, he also alleged that the gangsters often clashed with each other, leading to violent confrontations.
Morgue ‘dominated ‘ by gangsters
Speaking to FMT, the ex-doctor known as Johan said the gangsters would show up immediately after a death was reported in the emergency department or hospital wards.
At times, they would appear even before the victim’s passing was officially confirmed.
We believe there are insiders leaking information to them, and they are clearly being paid for it,” he added.
Johan said the gang usually targeted non-Muslims bodies, with a friend working at the hospital confirming that they were seen loitering around the emergency department and morgue.
“As such, families who were still in mourning and stunned by the gangsters’ appearance are pressured into making quick decisions without a fair choice of funeral services,” he claimed.
Johan, who worked at the Ministry of Health (MOH) for over 20 years, added the gangsters would also fight each other over “territorial disputes”, which resulted in violence that occurred at both public and private hospitals in Kuching.
He recalled one such incident which saw a car belonging to a gang member being set on fire not far from the hospital.
RM200 allegedly demanded by hospital staff
Meanwhile, a family member of a non-Muslim victim told FMT that a Cheras hospital staff asked for RM200 during the body identification process in 2017.
“It was upsetting. We were already overwhelmed with grief, and someone working there had the nerve to ask for RM200. Why request it in front of the deceased and not at a proper payment counter?
“Asking for money from grieving family members clearly goes against SOPs and RM200 is a huge amount for families who aren’t financially well off,” said the family member.
Previously, MOH issued a stern warning to hospital morgue staff against accepting bribes in the handling of deceased individuals or the release of related information, reported NST.
The ministry also said attempts to work with funeral service companies or their representatives or accepting money in return for assistance can be seen as a corrupt act.
“Hospital authorities must make sure no external parties are involved in managing bodies before they are released to the next of kin.
“Funeral service agents must not be allowed to loiter around mortuary areas,” it added.
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