As an NGO committed to ending violence against women, the Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) is appalled by the lack of effective action by authorities against a Penang medical officer who has now been arrested for the fourth time for a string of suspected sexual offences or indecent behaviour towards female patients.
Despite three prior arrests in February and March 2025 for separate incidents involving three different women, the doctor was again arrested in July for allegedly molesting another female patient.
This latest incident reportedly took place on 29 June at a private clinic in Bayan Baru, where the victim had sought treatment for abdominal pain. According to police, the doctor had asked her to undress and allegedly touched her breasts during the consultation.
Earlier news reports indicated that the doctor had allegedly photographed or filmed at least two female patients under the guise of medical procedures, where the women were told to run in place, topless.
These recurring allegations raise serious concerns about the apparent lack of effective action and accountability within medical institutions, enforcement agencies and prosecutorial authorities.
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We need clear answers to the following deeply troubling questions:
- Why has the suspect still not been charged in court, despite police confirming four months ago, in March 2025, that investigation papers for the three prior cases had been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor?
- Despite multiple arrests, why has the suspect been allowed to continue practising medicine, including taking locum shifts at private clinics? What concrete actions, if any, have been taken by the hospital and health authorities following their internal investigations?
How many more women must be violated – deceived, secretly recorded, molested or worse – before meaningful and effective action is finally taken?
The public are no longer just waiting for answers – they are demanding effective action.
The Ministry of Health, hospital management, the Penang Health Department, the police and the Attorney General’s Chambers owe the public full transparency and accountability. The Malaysian Medical Council and Malaysian Medical Association also have a duty to act.
WCC therefore calls for the following immediate concrete actions:
- That the Ministry of Health, Malaysian Medical Council, Malaysian Medical Association and other relevant authorities immediately suspend or revoke the doctor’s licence to practise, including barring him from locum duty pending the outcome of criminal proceedings
- That the police and Attorney General’s Chambers expedite investigation and prosecution in all four reported cases, and move swiftly to charge the suspect without further delay.
Above all, we seek justice for the victims and urgent action to protect other women at risk.
Karen Lai is the programme director of the Women’s Centre for Change.
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