Dr Tay’s Death Sparks Conversations On Never-Ending Woes Of Workplace Bullying
Lahad Datu district police chief Dzulbaharin Ismail said yesterday the incident had been classified as sudden death, and that no foul play was suspected.
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On August 29, 2024, Dr. Tay Tien Yaa, a medical specialist, was found dead in her rented accommodation in Lahad Datu, Sabah, in what authorities have reported as suicide.
Dr. Tay’s tragic death has brought to light serious allegations of workplace bullying by her superior, sparking concern about the treatment of healthcare professionals in Malaysia.
Career Background
Dr. Tay had a distinguished career, having earned her MBBS degree from Volgograd State Medical University in 2013, and completing her housemanship at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru.
After initially working in forensic medicine, she switched to Chemical Pathology, completing her master’s degree at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2023.
In February 2024, she was appointed Head of the Chemical Pathology Unit at Lahad Datu Hospital.
Bullying Within Work Environment
While her professional journey appeared promising, her sister revealed in a Facebook post that she was enduring severe workplace bullying.
According to her sister who posted on Facebook as YS Tay: “The only person who oppressed her was her cruel department head.”
She faced pressure in setting up her unit while also handling an overwhelming workload,” including managing inspections, attending meetings, preparing reports, and overseeing human resources and finances.
Her sister expressed their grief and frustration, stating, “It was completely irresponsible leadership.
The head of the department, who was a newly appointed medical specialist, abused their power and bullied subordinates.”
The psychological strain became unbearable, leading Dr. Tay to take her own life.
Her sister reflected on how she never complained, wondering if “she cried alone every night in someone else’s room” and questioning why someone so dedicated and resilient had to face such cruelty.
Dr. Tay’s case sheds light on the broader issue of workplace bullying and stress among healthcare professionals, particularly junior doctors.
Her sister emphasized that the problem is widespread, stating that “the phenomenon of workplace stress and bullying among young doctors is widespread, but it should not be normalized.”
In Loving Memory
In a moving tribute, Dr. Hafizam Hasmi, who had recommended Dr. Tay for her Master’s in Chemical Pathology program, wrote a heartfelt poem in her memory.
“Suatu Petang Di Bilik Duka” — a beautiful poem penned by HKL forensic pathologist Dr Hafizam Hasmi, who had recommended Dr Tay Tien Yaa for UKM’s Master in Chemical Pathology program.
— Boo Su-Lyn (@boosulyn) September 16, 2024
Tay was part of the autopsy team for Kim Jong-nam.
RIP Dr Tay. May your death not be in vain. pic.twitter.com/t6QLLSgGTt
The poem expressed the deep sadness felt by those who knew her, while hinting at the unspoken struggles she might have faced in her final days.
Dr. Hafizam’s farewell post on Facebook captured the profound pain of losing a colleague and friend and served as a solemn reminder of the silent battles that often go unnoticed.
Enough Is Enough
According to FMT, Lahad Datu district police chief Dzulbaharin Ismail said yesterday the incident had been classified as sudden death, and that no foul play was suspected.
‘We are still waiting for a report from the chemistry department, after which we will forward the case to the coroner for the next course of action,’ he was quoted as saying by The Star.”
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad urged for a deeper investigation into Dr. Tay’s death in a twitter post, following concerns raised by a family member who claimed there were numerous unanswered questions surrounding the incident.
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
He reiterated his firm stance against workplace bullying, a policy he has upheld since 2018, and emphasized his commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance approach, particularly in light of ongoing cases under review.
Dr. Tay’s untimely death is not just a personal loss for her family but a reflection of deeper issues within the healthcare system.
As her sister poignantly noted, “One after another, promising young lives are lost to suicide, but will they all be forgotten so quickly?”
The well-being of healthcare workers needs to be a priority to prevent further tragedies.
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