MALAYSIA: A young specialist doctor, Dr Tay Tien Yaa, tragically took her own life after enduring alleged workplace bullying at Lahad Datu Hospital in Sabah, Malaysia.
Her brother, YS Tay, revealed the circumstances of her death in a heartfelt Facebook post, igniting widespread concern over bullying and mental health issues in the medical field.
Dr Tay, aged 30, had a distinguished academic background, having completed her Master’s Degree in Chemical Pathology in 2023.
She was appointed as the head of the Chemical Pathology Unit at Lahad Datu Hospital in February 2024.
According to YS Tay, his sister relocated to Lahad Datu with the promise that she would be transferred back to Peninsula Malaysia after two years, allowing her to reunite with her husband.
Despite her best efforts to improve healthcare services at the hospital, including upgrading diagnostic equipment and securing resources for her unit,
Dr Tay faced immense pressure.
In August 2024, just six months into her tenure, she was found dead in her rental unit. Her family was informed of her death on 29 August.
YS Tay accused Dr Tay’s department head of workplace bullying, alleging that the superior manipulated her, assigned tasks outside her job scope, and subjected her to overwhelming workloads.
The pressure included managing personnel, handling budgets, and attending endless meetings.
“Enough is enough!” YS Tay declared in his post, calling for accountability within the healthcare system.
He lamented that the medical field in Malaysia is rife with exploitation and questioned whether authorities had become indifferent to such tragedies.
Health Minister Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Workplace Bullying
Lahad Datu police confirmed that no foul play was suspected in Dr Tay’s death, but they acknowledged the family’s claims of bullying.
District police chief, Assistant Commissioner Dzulbaharin Ismail, stated that while the police were aware of these allegations, they would leave the investigation to the Ministry of Health.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad responded to the incident on 16 September, reiterating his commitment to eradicating bullying within the medical field.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he emphasized that all staff deserve a safe and just working environment.
He also promised to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr Tay’s death thoroughly.
Salam Hari Malaysia!
* 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— Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul) September 16, 2024
Dr Tay’s death has reignited the conversation about mental health support for medical professionals in Malaysia, who often face grueling hours, heavy workloads, and unsupportive work environments.
Her brother’s post calls for a systemic change to protect young doctors from similar fates and to foster a more compassionate healthcare environment.
For those struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, help is available. In Malaysia, support services include the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392) and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929).
In Singapore, you can contact the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) at 1-767 or text 9151 1767 for support.
