Malaysia: spraying herbicides causes food poisoning in coffee shops

There has been a mass food poisoning incident in Perak, Malaysia. A coffee shop was ordered to be closed for two weeks because its food was suspected of being contaminated with herbicides. This is also the first such food poisoning incident in the 15 years since the coffee shop opened. At least 37 people were affected, four of them in critical condition.

Malaysian health authorities are investigating the food poisoning incident in Batuya. The authorities believe that the herbicide should have been sprayed near the stall and then blown into the food by the wind.

Local Health Minister Subamalian pointed out that although it is indirect pollution, herbicides are highly toxic and can cause paralysis. The authorities take the incident seriously and will introduce new measures such as guidelines for spraying herbicides.

Of the 37 affected diners, nine had blood samples containing organophosphorus pesticides. So far, 24 people have been discharged from hospital, nine are being treated, and the other four need to rely on equipment to assist in breathing and are in critical condition. Samples of food, environment and water are also taken for testing in stores and factories where the affected patients work. The local police are also looking for other diners who have patronized the stalls to be tested.