KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: The doctor who slapped a patient at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has been suspended pending investigations.

UMMC director Prof Dr Ikram Shah Ismail said the dermatologist, in her 40s, was suspended yesterday.

The specialist was alleged to have slapped Rajangam Thangavelu, 55, a vegetable seller undergoing treatment for burns on his hands and legs, on Aug 12.

"We have handed the case to the police, and also submitted our findings to our disciplinary board," he said at UMMC yesterday.

Meanwhile, Brickfields OCPD Asst Comm Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said police were waiting for the order to investigate (OTI) from the Deputy Public Prosecutor," he added.

Rajangam was admitted to UMMC after falling during a fire-walking ceremony at a temple on Aug 10.

Two days later, while on her rounds with a group of trainee doctors, the specialist attended to him.

She allegedly slapped Rajangam on his left cheek and asked him to look at her.

She was said to have also pressed her hands around his right fist and forcefully closed it.