82 Sick & 2 Dead, Including a 19-Month-Old Girl, in Gombak School Program Food Poisoning Incident

The Selangor State Health Department (JKNS) have confirmed that a total of 82 out of 247 people experienced severe symptoms of food poisoning after eating breakfast at an Islamic Charity Skills Program (Kamil) throughout the district of Gombak on Saturday (June 8).

Sadly, 2 people, a 17-year-old boy and a 19-month-old (1-year 7-months) girl have died in the food poisoning incident.

According to a statement by JKNS State Health Director, Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin shared that the food poisoning is suspected to be caused by fried bee hoon and egg yolks that had apparently changed in appearance and taste.

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It is understood that 30 primary schools in the district participated in Kamil, where the food was provided by an outside food operator.

Dr Ummi further explained that those who experienced symptoms consisted of secretaries, teachers, school workers and family members.

“The main symptoms reported are diarrhoea, stomach pain, fever, vomiting and nausea. A total of 28 cases have received treatment as outpatients and no cases have been admitted to any wards,”

“A total of 2 cases were reported to have died without receiving any treatment from any health facility, involving a 17-year-old boy and a 19-month-old baby girl. Both victims ate food believed to have been brought home by family members,” she said.

JKNS is still conducting investigations to detect any new cases and control and prevention measures are being carried out. 

This image is for illustration purposes only.

Food samples from the day of the incident have been sent to the National Public Health Laboratory (MKAK) in Sungai Buloh, to identify the true cause of the food poisoning incident.

“JKNS also requests that the affected individuals who experience symptoms immediately seek treatment at any health facility to avoid unwanted food poisoning complications. Program organisers and members of the public need to be careful in choosing clean premises and food suppliers,”

“JKNS also expresses its condolences to both families of the victims,” she added.

Do stay tuned for more updates.

Also read: 4 People Have Died from Bongkrek Acid Poisoning After Eating at M’sian Restaurant in Taiwan