KOTA KINABALU: July 23, 2026 – A prominent hospital director in Kota Kinabalu has not only been accused of sexual harassment and bullying against colleagues, but is also said to have admitted guilt, acknowledged a “lapse in judgment”, and expressed a desire to retire early while offering a public apology.
However, a year after the incident was reported to have occurred, the same individual is still serving at the hospital, prompting Kepayan State Assemblyman Chin Tek Ming to urge immediate firm action from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) and the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS).
Incident reported in October 2025
According to information obtained from police sources, the alleged incident of sexual harassment and workplace bullying is reported to have occurred in October last year. The allegations involve a hospital director accused of inappropriate conduct towards a colleague at a prominent hospital in the Kota Kinabalu area.
Police report made in January 2026
Following the incident, the victim came forward to make an official report at a nearby police station in January this year. This was confirmed by Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun, who said that a preliminary investigation had been opened immediately after the report was received, under Section 509 of the Penal Code concerning insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
JKNS internal investigation finds admission of guilt
At the administrative level, the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS) and the MOH established a special committee to conduct a detailed internal investigation. Sources from documents disclosed by the Kepayan Assemblyman indicate that during the investigation, the director in question allegedly admitted his guilt, described his actions as a “lapse in judgment”, expressed a desire to voluntarily retire early, and offered a public apology to the complaining officer.
Kepayan Assemblyman reveals controversy on 23 July 2026
Today, Chin Tek Ming, together with Parti Warisan’s Boundary Advisor, Dr Istefan Koh, publicly disclosed documents including the police report and the internal investigation findings through a video recording that has since gone viral.
“We received a complaint regarding the director’s behaviour. We were also informed that he admitted to the offence and expressed a desire to retire early. However, my question is: when will this doctor director retire? What action has been taken in 2025, in July, and if he is still serving at the hospital a year later with this case against him, even though he has admitted his guilt, I think it is time for JKNS to take firm action,” Chin Tek Ming stressed at his press conference.
He also expressed concern that this revelation is not the first involving sexual harassment or bullying within hospitals, noting a worrying trend of increasing resignations among medical officers and mental health issues.
Police confirm investigation ongoing
Responding to the revelations, Datuk Jauteh Dikun confirmed that the police investigation is still ongoing to complete the investigation papers.
“This case only began trending on social media yesterday, but the police investigation has been underway since January. Any further developments will be announced after the investigation is completed,” he said at a media conference today, while advising the public not to speculate.
JKNS: Internal investigation complete, follow-up action being implemented
JKNS in an official statement today said that the detailed investigation by the special committee appointed by the MOH has been completed.
“The investigation findings have been obtained and recommendations for follow-up action are being implemented in accordance with current procedures and applicable laws. JKNS takes these allegations seriously and does not compromise on any form of misconduct, particularly acts of sexual assault, harassment and bullying in the workplace,” the statement read.
Sabah government stresses no compromise
Sabah Minister of Women, Health and Community Wellbeing, Datuk Julita Majungki, also gave her assurance that the state government would take the matter seriously and coordinate action with the MOH.
“I have not been briefed in detail but of course what needs to be done has been carried out. At the ministry level, we take this seriously and will not compromise on any allegations of sexual harassment involving civil servants,” she said at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly building today.
Issue raised in State Assembly sitting
Meanwhile, Sungai Sibuga State Assemblywoman Nurulalsah Hassan Alban (Warisan), while debating a Bill in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly today, also raised the issue, describing the sexual harassment allegations as a psychological threat in the workplace stemming from systemic failure.
“A hospital leader with such behaviour cannot be trusted. If such cases are not handled properly, the country may lose even more doctors,” she cautioned.
Call for justice for healthcare workers
Concluding his statement, Chin Tek Ming urged that justice be upheld for healthcare workers who are already burdened by the current situation, while stressing that firm action must be taken as this matter has become a hot topic among medical practitioners and the public.
“I believe justice is always needed for healthcare workers. Firm action must be taken,” he stressed.
