By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 8: Dudong assemblyman Dato Seri Tiong King Sing has clarified on a recent cleaning incident at Sibu Hospital following a social media post claiming a contractor he had engaged with cleaned the hospital’s light fixtures in a way that disregarded patients’ well-being, resulting in dust from the fixtures falling onto a patient’s bed.
“I wish to offer a clear and firm clarification. The individual involved in the cleaning was not a contractor appointed by me, but rather an employee of the hospital’s service provider.
“We have since contacted Sibu Hospital and obtained further clarification. It is true that I had previously arranged for the installation of new air-conditioning units within the hospital wards.
“However, the contractor I engaged was solely responsible for the installation of the air-conditioning system. The cleaning of light fixtures did not fall within the scope of their responsibilities,” he said in a statement.
Tiong, who is also the federal Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and Bintulu MP, said that it was possible that the misunderstanding arose due to the close timing between the installation of air conditioning units and the cleaning of the light fixtures.
He also said that the incident served as a reminder to all relevant parties that healthcare services must always prioritise patients’ welfare and hygiene.
“For example, light fixtures should be wiped using a damp cloth to minimise the risk of dust dispersal, and all maintenance activities must be conducted in accordance with established SOPs (standard operating procedures).
“Under no circumstances should patient safety be compromised for the sake of convenience. All necessary maintenance work must be carried out with due care to minimise disruption and avoid placing undue strain on both patients and healthcare personnel,” he said.
Tiong further added that the hospital will conduct an internal investigation into the matter, and if any breach of SOPs or work regulations is identified, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. — DayakDaily
