[UPDATED] #HartalDoktorKontrak protest sweeps hospitals, MAEPS quarantine centre

KUALA LUMPUR – Dozens of contract doctors were seen walking out of Sg Buloh Hospital at 11am today.

They did not speak to the press.

Two medical officers who approached reporters were chased away by what appeared to be a plainclothes cop.

Another group walked out 30 minutes after the first.

A medical officer, who asked to remain anonymous, told reporters that they are performing their duty and enforcing their rights without violating their oath.

“We have not breached the oath we have taken, as our patients are still cared for and not neglected.”

Immediately after the second group walked out, a police patrol car arrived with sirens blaring.

Cops ordered the doctors to disperse or face a compound.

Doctors at the Covid-19 low-risk treatment and quarantine centre at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), meanwhile, were spotted holding up placards reading #HartalDoktorKontrak.

About 50 doctors are participating in the protest at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

At Selayang Hospital, dozens of medical officers gathered at the lobby, displaying placards in support of the demonstration.

Social media users shared photos of the protest taking place at Kajang Hospital, Ampang Hospital, Melaka Hospital and Kuala Terengganu’s Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital, among others, as well.

Only 2 seen walking out in KK

At Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, only two contract doctors took part in the walkout.

The duo, both women, were seen walking out minutes before 12pm. They identified themselves as medical officers when approached by the press.

The pair walked straight to the hospital car park next to the common lobby.

Asked whether there will be more participating in the protest, one of them said: “There are a few others joining us in the strike, but we are not sure.”

One of them held up a placard that read “We are your future specialists”, while the other had a sign that read “#hkontrak”.

The Vibes learnt that the two received clearance from the hospital director to take part in the walkout, and they said they did not abandon their duties.

The Vibes was also informed that no one participated in the protest at Queen Elizabeth Hospital II near Damai in the Sabah capital, as well as Tawau Hospital.

Earlier, uniformed Rela personnel instructed journalists to stay away from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital lobby entrance. Police, including plainclothes officers, were present.

Cops were later seen leaving in two patrol cars.

The two doctors who took part in the demonstration told journalists to stay away from the lobby area, and were instructed to stand by the roadside. – The Vibes, July 26, 2021

Additional reporting by Jason Santos