Cover image via Hartal Doktor Kontrak (Facebook)
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Advocacy group Hartal Doktor Kontrak recently released a distressing video showing the living conditions of a junior doctor, who allegedly fell into severe depression after enduring relentless workplace bullying
According to the group, the doctor, referred to as Dr S, was a houseman at a public hospital in Sabah and was repeatedly bullied by a senior colleague.
The harassment reportedly left them deeply affected, leading them to withdraw from work and isolate in their room. The brief six-second video offers a glimpse into the doctor's neglected room, revealing a dirty, dimly lit space with a worn-out bed and a makeshift stove.
"The bullying was so severe that they fell into deep depression and never returned to work as a houseman. Instead, they locked themself away in a room for years," the group wrote in the caption.
They noted that the alleged bully has also since moved abroad and is currently in specialist training — highlighting how bullies often face little to no consequences.
Hartal Doktor Kontrak said the case is part of a wider pattern that prompted them to launch its #StopWorkplaceBullying campaign three years ago, aimed at raising awareness and to push for reform
Since then, the group has collaborated with the Health Ministry's (MOH) Healthcare Work Culture Improvement Task Force (HWCITF), offering input and recommendations to help combat toxic work environments in hospitals and clinics.
"We hope the bullying issue can be fully eradicated, not just in MOH, but across all sectors nationwide," the group said.
It added that it is also in full support of the ministry's effort to launch an official guideline to manage such cases.
"Given what we've seen firsthand, the terrible consequences of bullying among MOH healthcare workers, we fully support Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and his team's launch of the Guidelines on Bullying Management in Government Clinics and Hospitals this October," they said.
In a heartfelt note, Hartal Doktor Kontrak also extended an apology to Dr S and their family, as well as to other victims, whom they were unable to support in time
The group pledged to continue fighting to end bullying in Malaysia's healthcare system once and for all.
Watch the video here:
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
If you or anyone you know is lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, please call these Malaysian hotlines:
1. BEFRIENDERS KL
24-hour
Contact: +603-76272929
Email: [email protected]
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2. TALIAN KASIH
24-hour
Contact: 15999
WhatsApp: +6019-2615999
Email: [email protected]
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3. BUDDY BEAR CHILDLINE
Daily (12pm – 12am)
Contact: 1800-18-2327
Email: [email protected]
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For a more thorough directory of resources, head over to the websites of Malaysian Mental Health Association or MINDAKAMI.
