Perak orders caterer at Lenggong boarding school shut after almost 160 students, stuff fall sick

IPOH, September 11 — A caterer supplying a boarding school in Perak's Lenggong has been ordered to cease operations following 159 students and staff falling ill with suspected food poisoning. Perak's Health, Human Resources, Indian Affairs and National Integration Committee head Datuk A. Sivanesan reported the incident to the Hulu Perak District Health Office on September 10.

Those affected, aged between 13 and 52, began showing symptoms around 11.30pm on September 9, with the last case reported at 1.40pm on September 10. All 159 cases experienced diarrhea and abdominal pain, while 125 had headaches, 89 felt nauseous, 31 vomited, and 15 had fevers. They were treated on-site, with 10 receiving additional care at the Lenggong Health Clinic; none required hospitalization and all remained stable.

Samples of the suspected food and the caterer's premises were collected for laboratory analysis. The caterer's facility scored 78.16% during an inspection on September 10, leading to its closure under Section 18(1)(d) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988. The operator was instructed to sanitize the premises, rectify the issues, and ensure regular pest control.

Meanwhile, the school's dining area remained open. Sivanesan also called on food handlers to adhere to the Food Act 1983 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 to avert future food poisoning cases.