A bomb threat was received this morning at Hospital Mentakab. This caused the evacuation ,transfer of patients and the ensuing closure of the hospital for a thorough inspection by the police. After hours of searching, the threat was deemed a hoax!

However, such can be seen positively! It can expose weaknesses in the emergency procedures and similarly, remind the hospital management that drills are an important component of any hospital administration. When faced with a crisis situation , the staff have to function like a well-oiled machine. There is little room for errors under such dire circumstances. Are our hospitals able to perform well in Emergency situations? Perhaps this hoax was a test and a subtle reminder as to the work that needs to be done to improve existing protocols and procedures.

Bomb hoaxes have become increasingly frequent in Malaysia. Even the Twin Towers was not aparred from this attack. There is a need for a system that could reduce or discourage such mischief. Targetting hospitals is unwise and reflects a disturbed mind. It offers no strategic political points and the hospital itself poses no threat. A hospital is a sanctuary for the sick and thus should be respected as such. I believe that the perpetrator is mentally unstable and requires professional help. But can our police find him?