PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called for a thorough investigation into an incident in which house officers at Hospital Tunku Azizah were allegedly scammed, describing the matter as a serious breach that exposed weaknesses within the healthcare system.
The association also urged that an independent internal inquiry be formed to address any potential systemic gaps, stressing that both criminal and administrative aspects must be examined.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the reported incident reflected a breakdown in administrative safeguards, leaving junior doctors in a vulnerable position.
“This is a serious matter. When a large number of house officers are affected over a period of time, it reflects a systemic failure, not just individual misconduct,” he said in a statement on Monday (April 6)
He added that while the ongoing police investigation would focus on any criminal elements, a separate internal inquiry was crucial to determine how such an incident could have occurred within the workplace.
“Both are necessary — one for accountability, the other for system correction,” he said.
Dr Thirunavukarasu noted that the incident highlighted structural vulnerabilities within the healthcare system, particularly involving junior doctors who operate in a hierarchical environment with limited oversight of administrative and payroll processes.
“This creates a risk of compliance without verification, especially when instructions appear to come from authorised personnel,” he said.
He emphasised that clear safeguards must be put in place, including strict adherence to official payment channels, stronger internal controls and audit mechanisms, and clearly defined administrative accountability.
He further called for the establishment of safe reporting pathways for junior doctors, allowing them to raise concerns without fear of repercussion, as well as proper orientation on administrative procedures.
“Trust in the system must be supported by safeguards, not assumed,” he said.
Dr Thirunavukarasu also stressed that affected house officers should not bear any financial losses arising from the incident.
He said the priority now must be clear, ensuring accountability, correcting systemic weaknesses, and preventing a recurrence of similar incidents.