BUKIT MERTAJAM, March 24 – The Board of Visitors of Hospital Bukit Mertajam has refuted a viral social media claim alleging the hospital would be relocated to avoid disturbing a nearby temple, describing it as false, defamatory and malicious.
The board clarified that no such statement was made by Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong during his visit in September 2025, which focused solely on improving hospital facilities.
The board emphasised that there are no plans to relocate the hospital. Instead, a proposed new block aims to accommodate rising patient numbers, with land already allocated by the Penang state government.
Authorities have been urged to investigate the source of the false claim and take action against those spreading misinformation that could disrupt public harmony.
