Methanol poisoning: Two deaths reported outside Health Ministry facilities

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The number of deaths recorded from methanol poisoning rose to 21 today when the Ministry of Health (KKM) received information on two deaths outside the KKM facilities, said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said as at 12 noon, 19 deaths were recorded at KKM facilities.

He said the information were provided by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) as the death reports were submitted to the police.

"Currently, KKM is not able to confirm the number of deaths that have occurred outside the KKM health facilities. The number of cases is expected to increase," he told reporters after his ministry's post-Cabinet meeting at the KKM here today.

Dr Dzulkefly said the three brands of alcoholic beverages suspected to contain methanol were Grand Royal Whiskey, Mandalay Whiskey and King Fisher beer.

So far he said, results of the analysis has confirmed that only the Grand Royal Whiskey was found to contain methanol which did not adhere to the Food Act 1983.

"In addition, the product had not complied with the labelling requirements such as not putting the name and address of the manufacturer, importer or agent, as required by the Food Regulations 1985 under the Food Act 1983,” he added.

Dr. Dzulkefly said as at Tuesday, 291 bottles of various brands of alcoholic beverages including the brands involved were seized.

He added that the KKM would work with the PDRM, Royal Malaysian Customs, local authorities and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), employers of the foreign workers involved and related agencies to monitor the situation.

According to Dr Dzulkefly, the methanol poisoning involved Malaysians, Nepalese as well as Myanmar  Indian and Indonesian citizens.

--BERNAMA