TIONG REFUTES ALLEGATIONS OF NEGLIGENCE REGARDING PATIENT WELL-BEING

SIBU, April 8 (Bernama) -- Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has refuted allegations that a contractor engaged by him was responsible for an incident involving patient well-being at Sibu Hospital.

Responding to a social media post claiming that a contractor he hired had caused dust to fall onto a patient’s bed while cleaning light fixtures in a hospital ward, Tiong clarified that the individual in question was, in fact, an employee of the hospital’s service provider.

“I am deeply concerned by the unfounded accusations directed at me,” said Tiong in a statement on Facebook today.

bootstrap slideshow

“It is possible that the misunderstanding arose due to the close timing between the air-conditioning installation and cleaning of the light fixtures,” he explained.

He acknowledged arranging for the installation of new air-conditioning units at the hospital but emphasised that the contractor was solely responsible only that work, and the cleaning of light fixtures was outside their scope. 

The Dudong assemblyman said that when he contacted them, the hospital management informed him that an internal investigation would be conducted.

“If any breach of Standard Operating Procedures or work regulations is found, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the personnel involved,” he added.

Tiong also emphasised that the welfare and safety of patients must always be the top priority in hospital operations.

“Under no circumstances should patient safety be compromised for the sake of convenience. All necessary maintenance work must be carried out with due care to minimise disruption and avoid placing undue strain on both patients and healthcare personnel,” he stressed.

The incident drew public attention after a social media user alleged that dust had fallen on a patient’s bed during cleaning work, sparking concerns about hospital hygiene and patient safety.

-- BERNAMA