'Deep interest' drove man to impersonate medic, says health director

New Straits Times

22-04-2025

KANGAR: The Perlis Health Department has confirmed an incident involving a man who allegedly posed as an assistant medical officer at Tuanku Fauziah Hospital (HTF) earlier this month.
State Health Department director Dr Ghazali Chik said the impostor was spotted in the hospital compound at 9.28pm on April 8.
"Our investigation confirmed that the man involved is a 23-year-old member of the public, not affiliated with the hospital.
"He was found wearing a full medical uniform and carrying a medical equipment bag. The suspect admitted to purchasing both the attire and the equipment online.
"He also claimed he posed as an officer out of a deep personal interest in the profession," he said in a statement today.
Dr Ghazali added that the department immediately notified top management on the same day of the incident.
"A police report was subsequently lodged on April 9," he said.
He added that the department views the matter seriously and has instructed hospital management to tighten security across the premises.
"We would like to remind the public that impersonating a civil servant is a criminal offence under Section 170 of the Penal Code," he said.
If convicted, the offender can be punished with a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Previously, it was reported that on the day of the incident, a hospital staff member noticed the suspect and became suspicious.
The man was then caught and handed over to his family before the hospital lodged a police report.