School food poisoning cases unacceptable, says Mahdzir

PUTRAJAYA: The endless spate of food poisoning cases in schools is unacceptable and unhygienic canteen operators risk losing their contracts.

“Such cases should not be happening. You need to take care of your food preparations with caution,” said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

“If you practise good hygiene, then these kind of cases won’t happen. We will investigate the contractors. If they are found guilty, we will suspend them.”

He spoke to reporters after launching the National Language Month programme here yesterday.

Mahdzir said the ministry’s officers had visited the schools involved and a report would be prepared for him to take the next course of action.

Since Tuesday night, 132 students from two schools in Terengganu and Penang have come down with suspected food poisoning.

Some 70 students of SMK Agama Sheikh Abdul Malek in Kuala Terengganu had complained of severe abdominal cramps, suspected to be from an egg sandwich served during supper at the boarding school.

They were rushed to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah hospital where 11 were admitted while the others received outpatient treatment.

The second case, also on Tuesday, was in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, where 66 students from SM Sains Tun Syed Sheh Shahabudin were sent to Bukit Mertajam for suspected food poisoning.

On the National Language Month, Mahdzir said the programme should not just involve government schools.

“International and private schools should also be involved. We want more Malaysians to be involved and help empower the usage of Bahasa Malaysia,” said Mahdzir.

At the national-level launch event, former cabinet minister and current socio-cultural adviser to the Government Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim was given a special award for his contribution in promoting the national language.

Also present at the event were Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon and ministry secretary-Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad.