BATU GAJAH, March 6 — The operator of a food stall in Siputeh here is being investigated by health authorities for allegedly selling food that caused 39 people to suffer severe food poisoning.

The victims are 38 locals and a Myanmar national, all of whom were either working or living in Batu Gajah. They had gone to hospital for treatment between 8am and midnight on Friday, after developing symptoms such as dizziness, diarrhoea, disorientation and muscle spasms. 

Seven of the victims were transferred to the Raja Permaisuri Hospital in Ipoh for treatment, including four in critical condition who required a respirator to aid breathing.

Another patient was receiving treatment at KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital.

Nine patients were still warded at Batu Gajah Hospital, while 22 others admitted to the same hospital were discharged after their condition stabilised.

In a statement issued in Putrajaya yesterday, Health Ministry Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the victims’ ages ranged between two and 71.

“Based on their symptoms, we suspect the food they consumed has been contaminated by organophosphates,” he said.

“Based on our investigations, they bought food from the same food stall (in Siputeh) on Friday.”

As of noon yesterday, Dr Noor Hisham said nine patients were found to be suffering from low cholinesterase levels in their blood.

“This is an indicator of exposure to organophosphate compounds,” he said.

Organophosphate compounds are used as commercial insecticides, in chemical warfare and aerosols. Organophosphate poisoning causes inhibition of the enzyme cholinesterase, which is critical for the functioning of the human nervous system.

Dr Noor Hisham said the Perak State Health Department had obtained food and water samples from the stall and from three factories in the vicinity.

“In the meantime, operations centres have been set up at the Kinta health district office and Batu Gajah Hospital.

“The infectious disease control unit, food quality and safety unit, work and environmental health unit and drinking water quality control unit are monitoring the situation.”

He said follow-up action to be taken would include surveillance over the next two weeks to identify cases that show clinical signs of food poisoning, case detection by visiting homes in the area and discussion with relevant agencies, such as the Fire and Rescue Department and local councils, to determine the source of the food poisoning.      

Perak health committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the food stall had been closed pending the investigations.

He said the stall sold a variety of food, including traditional favourites like nasi lemak, fried kuay teow, fried mee hoon and Malay kuih.

Dr Mah said health authorities would be examining the ingredients used to cook the food.

He also advised the stall’s regular customers to seek medical treatment if they have symptoms of food poisoning.

“We will also be drawing up a list of nearby factories that are manufacturing or using organophosphate or other related compounds.

“It is a serious situation, but I strongly advise the public not to panic. We are doing our best to solve the problem,” he said.