Health Ministry admits negligence in mix-up over remains of Muslim convert

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said a similar incident had happened three months ago at the Penang Hospital and the ministry had revised its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

A thorough investigation was currently being conducted by gathering information from the staff and medical officers at the hospital's mortuary and expected to be completed soon.

"We apologise, as this should not have happened at all. All SOP have been revised. We do not know how things like this recurred at the Kajang Hospital. If there is evidence of negligence, we will take disciplinary action, including suspension from duties," he told the media at a gathering hosted by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya and the staff of the Ministry of Health, here Monday.

Dr Subramaniam said this when asked to comment about the mix-up involving the remains of a Muslim convert, Hassan Abdullah, 74, whose original name was Lin Ah San @ Lim Ah San being handed to a Buddhist welfare centre and resulted in the remains being handled according to Buddhist rites Sunday.

The matter was viewed as a sensitive issue because it involved two religions.

"This is an emotional and sensitive issue particularly to the relatives. I am very upset over the incident," he said here today.

Asked when the report would be ready, Dr Subramaniam said the investigation, led by Health Director-General Datuk Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was expected to be completed soon.