Sexual harassment reports lodged against IJN dept head

A spokesman for the National Heart Institute said IJN does not comment on allegations, confidential personnel matters, or internal processes involving individual employees.PETALING JAYA: Several female staff members, including doctors, have lodged police reports against a head of department at the National Heart Institute (IJN), alleging that they had been traumatised by their superior’s actions.According to sources, the reports were lodged at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters about a month ago.It is unclear whether the allegations involved physical advances or verbal harassment.One source said the alleged victims were urged by their superior to withdraw their reports. However, the alleged victims refused, as they wanted to ensure their colleagues would not be subjected to similar harassment in the future.It is understood that they are seeking legal advice on their next course of action.Another source said the department head involved had gone on leave.IJN spokesman Aina Jamil said an internal review of the allegations is ongoing, adding that it takes reports of such matters seriously.She said the institute is committed to ensuring such matters are handled in accordance with its established policies, procedures, and governance framework.“IJN cooperates fully with the relevant authorities as required by law, and we are not in a position to comment further on the specifics of any law enforcement activity relating to this matter,” Aina said in an email response to FMT.“We have established policies, reporting channels, and disciplinary procedures in place to address any concerns raised, including those relating to harassment, and every report received is treated seriously and managed in accordance with our governance framework,” she added.FMT has reached out to the Kuala Lumpur police for comments.