Batu Gajah food poisoning: Victims claim feeling ill minutes after eating

Victims of an alleged food poisoning case in Siputeh here in Perak, claimed that they had suffered from dizziness, nausea and almost fainted after eating breakfast at the stall, which allegedly contained toxic chemicals.

The victims, of whom the majority are factory workers, said among the food they consumed at the stall were fried mee hoon, fried kuey teow and fried rice.

When met at the Batu Gajah Hospital, one of them, Noorhafizah Abd Manaf claimed she suffered symptoms of severe food poisoning and was unable to continue her work. She was later rushed to a nearby hospital by her supervisor.

"Fifteen minutes after I consumed the fried noodles at the stall, I felt dizzy. Not just me, but some of my friends also experienced the same thing, dizziness and nausea. Thankfully we were taken to hospital before we fainted," she told the media today.

Meanwhile, another victim, V. Marimah, said she suffered excessive sweating before passing out after her meal at the stall.

"I was rushed to the hospital along with 11 other colleagues who also suffered from food poisoning.

"However, I feel better now and am on the road to recovery," she said.

Earlier, State Health, Public Transport, Non-Muslim Affairs, National Integration and New Village Committee chairman, Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon had said early investigation revealed that the victims had eaten food contaminated with insecticide (organophosphate) at the said food stall.

He said the stall had since been ordered to cease operation pending investigation.

This morning it was initially reported that 37 people had been admitted to three hospitals, namely Batu Gajah Hospital, Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital and KPJ Ipoh.

Later it was reported that two more victims had been admitted, making the total number of victims to 39.

Of the lot, four were in critical condition.