KUALA SELANGOR: The Health Ministry has received reports of as many as 38 cases of sexual harassment involving housemen.
Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the figures were received by an independent inquiry body based on the number of victims who came forward to report the matter to the ministry via e-mails and letters.
However, Dr Dzulkefly said the reports have yet to be verified and the body has so far only presented the cases to the ministry but not in an in-depth manner.
"We have heard it thoroughly and we will receive full information when a special presentation is made. The independent investigation body will also give recommendations on how to avert this situation from recurring.
"As soon as a black and white report is received from the body next week, we will study it first before presenting it to the cabinet the following week," he said.
Dr Dzulkefly said this when met during the launching ceremony of Klinik Bergerak Sutera by Yayasan Avisena at Kampung Jaya Setia in Bestari Jaya, here, today.
It was previously reported that an orthopaedics department head in a hospital in the Klang Valley had allegedly sexually harassed several female housemen under his supervision.
Following the exposure, several other medical officers including housemen came forward with similar complaints to the ministry's office.
The complaints of sexual abuse were also made to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry through various channels.