Batu Gajah food poisoning: Four critical, 37 warded

A total of 37 people, aged between two to 71 years old, were admitted with four in a critical situation following food poisoning incident in Batu Gajah, Perak.

State Health, Public Transport, Non-Muslim Affairs, National Integration and New Village Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said they have been sent to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, KPJ Ipoh and Batu Gajah Hospital.

He said early investigation revealed that the victims had eaten food contaminated with insecticide (organophosphate) at a food stall.

He said the stall operating at Siputeh has been ordered to close operation and added that various agencies are investigating the cause of the incident.

Meanwhile, Dr Mah also called on the public not to panic as the state authorities have taken safety precaution over the matter.

He said 24 out of the 37 patients were allowed to return home at 5pm on Friday while the rest have been ordered to undergo health tests today.

The food poisoning victims said they had fell ill after eating local kuih-muih, fried bihun, kuey teow and fried rice at the stall.