Malaysia

Google search places Sabah hospital in Philippines, sparking outrage

State residents correctly note Kota Marudu healthcare facility remains within Malaysian territory

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 08 Aug 2022 1:16PM

Google search places Sabah hospital in Philippines, sparking outrage
Many Sabahans are riled up by the incorrectly stated location of Kota Marudu Hospital, which is actually in northwest Sabah. – Hospital Kota Marudu pic, August 8, 2022

by Jason Santos

KOTA KINABALU – Sabahans were alarmed by the Google search result of the Kota Marudu Hospital that now includes the word “Philippines”.

This comes as a surprise to many Sabahans riled up by the incorrectly stated location of the district’s main healthcare facility, which is actually in northwest Sabah.

“This looks like an early invitation to war against us,” said gig economy worker Maurice Julius.

Last night, Julius and several of his friends attempted to raise the matter to Google by submitting their suggestions to the tech giant, but as of today, the incorrect location remains unchanged.

A screenshot of a Google search result of Kota Marudu Hospital which curiously contains the word ‘Philippines’. – Screen grab pic, August 8, 2022
A screenshot of a Google search result of Kota Marudu Hospital which curiously contains the word ‘Philippines’. – Screen grab pic, August 8, 2022

Another netizen Denny Michael questioned whether a hacker or a coordinated group had gone to Google and filed for the hospital’s name change.

“Who is behind this? Why didn’t Google check the facts? Kota Marudu is a district in Sabah. And we are part of Malaysia.

“If this is the work of a hacker, it will become an issue to the people here in Sabah. I am very angry over this,” he added.

Sabah Health Director Datuk Dr Rose Nani Mudin told The Vibes that “action is being taken to address the problem.”

Many also have linked the incorrect information to the Sulu claimants’ case in the French arbitration court.

Last month, Malaysians were surprised by the news that a Luxembourg court ordered the seizure of two Petronas subsidiary firms. – The Vibes, August 8, 2022

Related News

Opinion / 6d

The Malaysia Agreement 1963: Grievances and expectations in Sabah and Sarawak

Malaysia / 1w

Budget 2027: Sabah, Sarawak to receive RM34.9b in federal allocations next year

Events / 2w

Sarawak and Sabah play key roles in weathering climate change

Malaysia / 2w

Address security concerns and let concert proceed – former Sabah CM

Malaysia / 1mth

A message from our publisher and chairman

Malaysia / 1mth

Sabah leaders condemn priest and nun joke at UMNO PAU

Spotlight

World

Kim Jong Un appears in state media photos after unverified death rumours

Malaysia

Anwar challenges Rafizi over corporate crime, asks why he stayed silent as minister

Malaysia

AKPS chief Mohd Shuhaily to be charged over alleged assault on two policemen

Malaysia

Year One pupil dies after breathing difficulties in Dengkil classroom

Malaysia

College student remanded for three days over alleged rape of underage girl

Sports & Fitness

Lee Zii Jia settles dispute with father, sister over company affairs

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Online scam call centres: Police detain 31 people targeting foreign victims in Pahang crackdown

Malaysia

Guan Eng proposes RM1,000 tax rebate for purchase of air purifiers

By Ian McIntyre

You may be interested

Malaysia

PN vows court fight against deregistration with Melaka polls 11 days from nomination

Malaysia

AKPS chief Mohd Shuhaily to be charged over alleged assault on two policemen

Malaysia

Doctors suspect food blocked airway of seven-year-old who died at school - victim's father

Malaysia

Govt plans tougher penalties for cable theft as rail operators explore CCTV

Malaysia

Takiyuddin’s use of ‘munafik’ sparks Dewan Rakyat row

Malaysia

MCMC warns cyberbullies, AI disinformation offenders as online safety comes under scrutiny

Malaysia

Kampung Manis: Dreams of 227 families to own replacement homes draw closer

Malaysia

Father arrested over suspected rape of 13-year-old daughter in Ranau