SIBU – A recent social media post alleging patient neglect during cleaning works at Sibu Hospital has drawn strong reaction from Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing, who has categorically denied any involvement in the incident.
The post, which went viral, claimed that a contractor engaged by the minister had carried out cleaning of light fixtures in a negligent manner, allegedly causing dust to fall directly onto a patient’s bed. The image sparked outrage online, with many voicing concerns over patient hygiene and safety.
In a firm and emotionally charged clarification posted to his own social media account, Dato’ Seri Tiong made it clear that the contractor responsible for the light fixture cleaning was not appointed by him, but was instead an employee of One Medicare Sdn Bhd (OMSB), the hospital’s official service provider.
“The person involved in the cleaning was never engaged by me or my team. My contractor was solely responsible for the air-conditioning installation, nothing more,” he stated, clearly disappointed by what he described as baseless accusations.
According to Tiong, the confusion may have stemmed from the close timing between the air-conditioning works and the cleaning activity, but he maintained that such assumptions should not have led to public blame without proper verification.
“To be accused of neglecting patient well-being, when my only intent was to improve hospital comfort, is deeply hurtful,” he said. “Hygiene and patient care are non-negotiable values.”
The minister further revealed that he has spoken directly with Sibu Hospital management, who have since confirmed that an internal investigation is underway. If any breach of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is discovered, disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible.
The issue has reignited public discourse about cleaning protocols in healthcare settings, especially in sensitive areas like patient wards. Tiong stressed that cleaning must always adhere to SOPs, highlighting the use of damp cloths to prevent dust dispersal and the importance of minimizing disruption to patients.
“This should be a wake-up call for all contractors and hospital administrators,” he said. “Patient safety must always be at the centre of all operations, no matter how minor the task.”
While some netizens were quick to criticize the minister, others have since rallied behind his transparency and willingness to address the issue head-on. Many praised his proactive stance in seeking clarification and calling for accountability from the hospital’s contracted service provider.
As the hospital continues its investigation, the incident underscores a vital lesson for public institutions: clarity, accountability, and communication are essential to maintaining public trust, especially in environments as critical as healthcare. -MalayaDailyToday
