TRIGGER WARNING
The content below contains suicide experiences that may be harmful or traumatizing for some.
Working as a doctor in Malaysia has always been seen to be highly stressful due to long hours and overwhelming workloads, often compounded by issues like workplace bullying and a lack of mental health support.
The death of Dr. Tay Tien Yaa, a medical specialist at Lahad Datu Hospital, has shaken the local community after her family revealed that workplace bullying played a significant role in her decision to take her own life.
Dr. Tay, who had joined the hospital’s pathology department in February 2024 as the Head of the Chemical Pathology Unit, was found dead in her rented unit on August 29, just six months after starting her new role.
Her grieving brother shared details of her tragic experience in a heartfelt Facebook post, accusing a senior colleague of creating unbearable workplace pressure that drove her to suicide.
Promising Career Cut Short
Dr. Tay was a dedicated professional, having earned her MBBS degree from Volgograd State Medical University, Russia, in 2013.
She completed her Housemanship at Sultanah Aminah Hospital, Johor Bahru, before working as a Medical Officer in the Forensic Medicine Department at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
In 2021, after personal challenges, she switched her field of study from Forensic Medicine to Chemical Pathology, completing her master’s degree at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2023.
In February 2024, she relocated to Sabah to take up her new role, despite being separated from her husband, holding on to the promise that she would be transferred back to West Malaysia after two years of service, so she could reunite with him.
Her brother shared that Dr. Tay’s commitment to improving the hospital’s medical services was evident from the start.
She worked tirelessly to enhance the accuracy of diagnostic services in her department and even managed to secure donations for the hospital, including a computer from the Lahad Datu Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
A Toxic Work Environment
However, behind her dedication was a deeply troubling reality. According to her brother, Dr. Tay was the victim of severe workplace bullying, allegedly led by her department head.
The pressures of setting up her own unit, coupled with endless meetings, instrument inspections, human resource management, and financial planning, created an overwhelming workload for the young doctor.
Despite her heavy workload, she faced continuous oppression from a cruel department head, who abused his power and mistreated his subordinates,” her brother wrote.
He also speculated that Dr. Tay likely endured her struggles in silence, given her nature of not wanting to burden others with her problems.
He poignantly expressed the grief and guilt the family felt, wondering if his sister cried alone every night, only to put on a brave face at work.
A Widespread Issue in the Medical Field
Dr. Tay’s brother also highlighted the larger issue of workplace bullying within the medical profession, especially among junior doctors.
“Workplace stress and bullying among healthcare workers are serious issues that happen far too frequently,” he said, stressing that this problem should not be considered normal or accepted.
He questioned the lack of attention to the real cause of his sister’s suicide, noting that although some of her colleagues had expressed their sorrow on social media, their voices were ignored by hospital leadership.
“Who else will fight for justice for young doctors who are continually oppressed at work until they perish?” he asked, pointing to the growing number of young doctors who face severe workplace pressure, often leading to tragic outcomes.
Health Ministry’s Response
In response to the tragic death of Dr. Tay, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad called for further investigation into the case, which has been linked to suicide due to workplace bullying at Lahad Datu Hospital, Sabah.
Salam Hari Malaysia!
— Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul) September 16, 2024
* Death of Dr. Tay Tien Yaa must b further investigated..
* I have had a ZERO TOLERANCE towards bullying since 2018 & shall remain steadfast on this policy. (few cases in hand)
* All KKM staff deserve a SAFE & JUST working environment.https://t.co/96FtWpgo9L
Emphasizing the gravity of the matter, Dr. Dzulkefly said, “I have zero tolerance for any form of bullying, a stance I’ve maintained since 2018 when I first held the position of Health Minister.
I will remain firm on this policy, and several other bullying cases are currently being reviewed.”
Speaking through the social platform X, he added that all Ministry of Health employees have the right to a safe working environment.
Police Still Investigating
The Lahad Datu police have confirmed the death of Dr. Tay Tien Yaa. According to Lahad Datu District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Dzulbaharin Ismail, initial investigations found no criminal elements in the case.
“The police have taken note of the statements made by the deceased’s family on Facebook. However, based on our preliminary investigation, we have not uncovered any criminal activity in this case,” said Dzulbaharin according to Oriental Daily.
He added that the case has been classified as sudden death, pending the results of the pathology report, after which the case will be handed over to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further action.
The cause of the incident is still undetermined, but for now, we have ruled out any criminal involvement, and the case will proceed as a sudden death investigation,” he clarified.
As for the allegations of workplace bullying, Dzulbaharin stated that the matter would be left to the Ministry of Health to address.
Condolences to the victims’ family. If you need a listening ear or someone to talk to, please call the following helplines:
Read more:
