Malaysia not up-to-date with sex change operations

KUALA LUMPUR: A 36-year-old businesswoman’s life-long wish to become a man by removing her breasts was dashed when she ended up losing more than she bargained for and became RM24,000 poorer to boot.

Instead of having her breasts removed, the woman, who only wished to be known as Sam, ended up losing both her nipples after a botched cosmetic surgery left her with a nasty infection and a bad scar.

In a press conference at the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department, Sam said she had gone to a beauty salon in Subang in May to undergo the procedure.

Sam claimed that she was promised a specialist from China. Upon paying for the procedure, she was brought to a clinic in Johor.

“However, when I spoke to the ‘surgeon’, I found out he was a local and seemed unsure of what I was in for,” she said here yesterday.

Despite her nagging doubts, Sam went ahead with the procedure.

Sam said she decided to seek medical treatment in Singapore, and later called up the beautician for a refund in addition to the medical costs, which had been initially agreed to when she first paid up for the procedure.

However, Sam said the salon operator later changed her mind and challenged her to bring the matter to court.

The businesswoman lodged a police report, claiming that she had also been constantly harassed and threatened by the salon operator and her partner.

MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong said he would assist Sam on the matter.