Cops zeroing in on lethal alcoholic suppliers, wholesalers

SHAH ALAM: The police are zeroing in on suppliers and wholesalers responsible for selling alcoholic beverages which caused methanol poisoning that has claimed at least 33 lives.

Eight Malaysians and seven foreigners have been detained so far, said Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Mazlan Mansor.

“Those arrested are premier owners and traders who sold alcoholic beverages.

“We have also seized some 1,480 bottles of alcoholic beverages and 1,670 cans of beer following 17 raids in the state so far,” he told a press conference after attending the Selangor cops’ monthly assembly yesterday.

The police have yet to receive the full postmortem reports on the 33 killed to date, he added.

“The public should also remain vigilant and avoid consuming such alcoholic beverages,” he added.

On another matter, Comm Mazlan said no police reports had been lodged against the Sungai Buloh Hospital specialist accused of sexual harassment.

“We have conducted thorough checks and so far we have not found any reports lodged regarding the case.

“We were told that the ministry had taken action against the doctor,” he said.

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was quoted as saying that a recommendation had been put in to revoke the medical licence of the specialist implicated in the accusations by the housemen.

The orthopaedic head of department had been suspended by the Public Services Commission for two months effective Sept 17, added the minister.