Number of food poisoning victims climbs to 74

KUALA TERENGGANU: The number of food poisoning victims believed to be caused by eating a local dessert (puding buih) in two districts in Terengganu continues to rise to 74 people as of 3pm yesterday, said Terengganu Health director, Dr Nor Azimi Yunus.

She said out of the 74 cases (from 16 families), 62 patients are living in Kuala Terengganu while 12 patients are from Marang.

“Up until now, 33 patients have been admitted for treatment at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ), eight patients at private hospitals and 22 more received outpatient treatment at government and private clinics. The department has also traced the victims’ family members and found 11 more food poisoning victims. However, their conditions do not need further hospital treatment,” she said in a statement yesterday.

On Monday, the media reported 48 individuals experienced food poisoning believed to be caused by a dessert, puding buih, purchased online on May 22.

Nor Azimi said the department inspected the seller’s premises yesterday and the Kuala Terengganu district health office also took samples.

“We’ve collected 11 environmental swabs, four hand swabs and four food samples for further action.

“The department has also closed the premises’ kitchen under Section 18 (1) (d) of the Infectious Diseases Control Act 1988 beginning yesterday (Monday) until June 7, which is for 14 days,” she said.

Meanwhile, a few of the food poisoning victims when met at HSNZ said they did not expect to be admitted to the hospital during the festive season after experiencing diarrhoea, vomiting and fever as the result of eating the dessert.

Siti Hasnah Mustafa, 37, said the puding buih was in good condition at the time of purchase, without emitting foul odour or tasting bad. — Bernama