Forensic pathologist reveals the reality behind high-profile autopsies
Forensic pathologists are key to unlocking the truth behind mysterious deaths, yet their work often goes unnoticed. Contrary to public belief, their role extends far beyond performing autopsies.
Dr Nadiawati Abdul Razak, senior lecturer and head of the Forensic Medicine Unit at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), described her journey and the pressure that comes with revealing the final answers in death.
"My Interest in the field of forensic pathology began to blossom during my clinical attachment training as a house officer in the hospital's forensic department.
"I had the opportunity to observe how post-mortems were conducted in complex death cases and how forensic pathologists pieced together scientific facts to uncover the truth behind deaths involving criminal elements," she said.
She said that each case comes with its own challenges, but the ones that left an impact were those involving children who died as a result of abuse.
"These cases are not only technically and legally challenging, but also deeply emotional, as I, too, feel the sorrow as a human being and a parent,.
"Seeing the suffering that no child should ever endure gives me the strength to do my best to ensure that justice is served," she said.
Dr Nadiawati has handled national and international disaster victim identification (DVI) operations, including the Maahad Tahfiz fire in 2017, COVID-19 fatalities, and landslide tragedies. In high-profile cases, she said pathologists must remain objective despite immense pressure from the media, police, lawyers, and public.
"In the fast-paced era of social media, information spreads easily before the forensic process is fully completed," she said.
In such cases, she said integrity and scientific accuracy are vital.
"We follow strict protocols based on WHO and Royal College of Pathologists standards. Every external and internal finding, radiological scan, and lab result is documented ."
She added that she is also working with UPNM's computer science department on AI research for use in the field.
"I am currently collaborating with the Computer Science Department at UPNM on a study related to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in analysing types of injuries based on images or photographs obtained from the authorities.
She said the aim is to improve the accuracy of identifying injury patterns in an objective and scientific manner, which can also serve as strong evidence in court. This technology also has the potential to speed up the analysis process in high-profile cases or those involving multiple victims.
"In addition, I am also conducting research in the field of forensic anthropology under a grant from UPNM's Research and Innovation Division, focusing on estimating the age at death based on morphological examination of the spine using CT scan images," she said.
This study aims to develop a more accurate age estimation method suitable for use within the local population, with particular focus on changes that occur in the vertebrae as a person ages.
The study has the potential to be used in cases involving the identification of human remains, especially when only partial skeletal remains are recovered from a scene."It is hoped that the findings of this study will contribute to improving the accuracy of skeletal biological profiling and further strengthen forensic anthropology practices in Malaysia," she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
24 minutes ago
- Sinar Daily
Batik meets medicine: Malaysian doctor creates stylish, hospital-ready scrubs
A MALAYSIAN doctor, seeking a practical yet patriotic way to dress at work, has started a quiet fashion trend in hospitals by producing a range of hospital-compliant scrubs for healthcare sector employees. Dr Nisha Puvan, an internal medicine specialist with a special interest in gastroenterology and currently working in a government hospital here, said it started as a passion project. "Wearing vibrant (batik) prints lifted my spirits and created a positive vibration with my colleagues and patients,' she told Bernama in an interview recently. She is the founder craftbynishapuvan, a custom-made clothing brand, which she runs from Subang Jaya, Selangor. She said the idea took off during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 when she began making batik face masks. But a key turning point came in August 2023 when the Public Service Department issued a directive requiring civil servants, including doctors in public hospitals, to wear batik every Thursday. That was when Dr Nisha decided to create batik scrubs for hospital staff. To make sure the batik attire would not compromise practicality and hygiene, she did her own research, testing fabrics that met infection control standards while remaining breathable, durable and colourfast. "The scrubs had to be short-sleeved, free from embellishments that could potentially harbour bacteria and withstand frequent washing. "I wore them myself daily - tweaking pocket sizes, material thickness, and even testing how colours held up over time,' she said, adding her scrubs are made from cotton-blend fabrics adorned with batik prints, handcrafted by local artisans using traditional techniques. For Dr Nisha, functionality is key. "Doctors are constantly on the move - from clinics to wards to emergency situations - and we carry many items,' she said. "So I designed (scrubs with) large pockets and added tailored features without compromising style.' Today, her scrubs are being worn by many doctors working in government and private hospitals and at private practices nationwide. While she expressed her desire to collaborate with the Health Ministry to supply batik scrubs to public hospitals on a larger scale, currently, she receives bulk orders from only certain departments of government hospitals. In some district hospitals, some of their departments order them in specific colours - such as blue batik scrubs for Mondays and green for Tuesdays. Photo for illustrative purposes only - 123RF photo Her client base also includes Malaysian professionals working abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia. "It is mostly Malaysians abroad who want to wear something that connects them to home. Batik gives them a sense of pride in being a Malaysian,' she said. Dr Nisha manages her business on her own, from handling her social media accounts and taking orders to quality control and packaging. "It is a one-woman show. I have a couple of tailors, but everything else is done by me,' she said, adding that her four-year-old twin daughters are also involved in the creative process. "If a print is not nice, they will say so. It is my way of introducing them to Malaysian heritage.' Apart from scrubs, craftbynishapuvan also creates custom-made batik sarees, cheongsam, baju Melayu, lehenga and coordinated family sets. "We cater to all body types. Some families choose a single signature batik print and request different styles to be made, such as a cheongsam for mum, Mandarin-collared shirt for dad and matching outfits for the children.' Recognising the need for modest wear among Muslim doctors, the brand is expanding its range of scrubs to include adjustable sleeves, longer tunics and higher necklines. Sustainability is also a priority, with craftbynishapuvan using deadstock fabrics - leftover materials from larger productions - to reduce waste. Dr Nisha attends to her business after working hours, often packaging orders at night whilst her children are asleep. "When I am at work, I stay fully focused on my patients. Craft comes after-hours… it is how I unwind and recalibrate,' she said. Referring to her batik scrubs, she said: "This is my form of patriotism. A quiet pride. We may not realise it, but even what we wear can carry our identity, dignity and culture into places that feel cold and clinical. "Every time I see a doctor in batik scrubs, not just in my hospital but any other place, it reminds me that Malaysian heritage is alive, adaptable and proudly worn.' - BERNAMA
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
More employers in Malaysia investing in healthy workforce to ensure business sustainability
KUALA LUMPUR: Corporate wellness programmes are rapidly becoming a strategic priority in Malaysian workplaces as employers confront rising non-communicable diseases (NCD), increasing medical insurance premiums, and growing employee expectations for comprehensive well-being. Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said more companies are now investing in structured wellness programmes that cover fitness, nutrition and mental health compared to pre-pandemic levels. The Covid-19 crisis, he noted, was a 'turning point' that made employers see workforce health as essential to business sustainability. 'Post-pandemic, employers have shifted from ad-hoc health initiatives to structured programmes,' he said, adding that healthier employees deliver higher productivity, lower absenteeism, reduced healthcare costs and better talent retention. MEF data shows that multinational corporations (MNC) in technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and professional services, as well as financial institutions and the oil and gas sector, are leading the adoption. Many cite environmental, social and governance compliance, high-performance demands and mental health pressures as key drivers. Mental health support has seen the biggest investment jump, including employee assistance programmes, counselling services, stress management workshops and mental health leave. 'Workplace anxiety, burnout and depression are no longer ignored,' Syed Hussain said. Traditionally, wellness spending was one of the first areas to be cut during economic slowdowns, but employers are now treating it as a long-term investment in human capital. MEF reports that structured wellness programmes have delivered a 10-30% drop in absenteeism, earlier detection of chronic illnesses, and higher employee engagement. Rising healthcare costs are also a catalyst. With NCD such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease pushing premiums higher, some insurers are offering rebates or tailored coverage for companies that adopt preventive wellness measures. While large firms and MNC are driving uptake, small and medium enterprises (SME) lag, constrained by limited budgets, internal expertise and awareness. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Human Resource and Industrial Relations Professor Dr Balakrishnan Parasuraman stated that SME comprise over 99% of Malaysian businesses, with more than 60% being micro-enterprises, most of which lack dedicated HR departments or structured wellness budgets. 'SMEs focus heavily on profit and daily operations, but if they want to retain good staff and improve productivity, they must transform and make wellness part of their strategy,' he said. 'The government can help by offering training, HRD Corp incentives, and grants targeted at SMEs.' Balakrishnan noted that younger employees, particularly those in Gen Z, are vocal about mental health and work-life balance, often citing stress from key performance indicators, family pressures, and environmental changes. Nutrition and fitness habits also require attention, as busy urban lifestyles often lead to high sugar and fast-food consumption. 'Companies can engage nutritionists, organise weekly fitness activities, and encourage healthier eating habits,' he said, pointing to Malaysia's rising rates of diabetes and heart disease. He also highlighted the role of HR departments, which he believes should evolve from administrative functions to strategic partners in wellness and employee engagement. Both experts believe corporate wellness is shifting from a 'nice-to-have' perk to a business necessity. MEF projects that within five years, medium to large companies will view it as a standard part of the employee value proposition. However, for universal adoption, especially among SMEs, government support is key. Syed Hussain suggested tax incentives, matching grants, and public-private mental health campaigns, while Balakrishnan stressed the importance of partnerships between government agencies, HR leaders, and industry to embed wellness into Malaysia's corporate culture. 'The post-Covid workplace has changed. Profit will always be important, but balancing it with wellness and work-life balance is how companies will win the future,' Balakrishnan said.
Barnama
a day ago
- Barnama
Australian Wastewater Analysis Shows Record Highs In Ice, Cocaine Use
SYDNEY, Aug 15 (Bernama-dpa) -- Wastewater analysis has shown record highs in consumption of methylamphetamine, cocaine and heroin in Australia, according to a report released on Friday, reported German press agency (dpa). The latest wastewater report by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) revealed that 22.2 tonnes of methylamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) were consumed from August 2023 to August 2024. This represented a 34 per cent increase from the previous year, driven by increases in consumption of methylamphetamine, also known as ice or meth, with 12.8 tonnes. That amount was a 21 per cent year-on-year increase and the highest level ever recorded by the programme, which started in 2016. bootstrap slideshow Cocaine and heroin use also saw record highs, with the former jumping up 69 per cent year-on-year to 6.8 tonnes, and heroin 14 per cent to 1.1 tonnes. MDMA use was up 49 per cent to 1.4 tonnes. The estimated street value of the four drugs dropped from A$$12.4 billion (US$8.06 billion) in 2022-23 to A$$11.5 billion in 2023-24. According to the ACIC, the increase in consumption of these illicit drugs in part is a reflection of their recovery following a slowdown during the Covid-19 pandemic. "This is the first time over the life of the Programme that 3 drugs have been consumed at record high levels simultaneously and illustrates the long term resilience of these markets and their ability to recover from significant decreases in consumption caused by the COVID pandemic movement restrictions and hard border closures," said ACIC boss Heather Cook. "ACIC data modelling suggests that the increases in drug consumption for methylamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA are likely to continue to 2027, though most likely not at the same rate observed during the year ended August 2024," Cook added. The data covers 14.5 million Australians - about 57 per cent of the population - and is based on wastewater samples collected from across the country in August and October. The report tracks drug consumption for 12 substances, both licit and illicit.
