Batu Gajah food poisoning: Two more admitted - Health Ministry

This brings the total number of people admitted to 39 with four in critical condition and are in the need of assisted mechanical ventilation.

The victims were admitted to the hospital after they had complained of dizziness, confusion, muscle twitching, pinpoint pupils, excessive sweating and excessive salivation, said Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

“The cases involved locals who live around Batu Gajah and one Myanmar national. No death has been reported so far,” he said.

“The public is urged to seek immediate medical help if they suffer from such symptoms,” he added.

Dr Noor Hisham said laboratory results today revealed that nine of blood samples revealed low cholinesterase level which is an indicator of organophosphorus contamination.

He said the ministry will conduct active surveillance and active case detection in the next two weeks to monitor the situation.

He said the ministry will also hold discussion with the local authorities to identify the cause of the incident.

Earlier, State Health, Public Transport, Non-Muslim Affairs, National Integration and New Village Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon 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 pending investigation.