Toxic alcohol poisoning: High level of methanol cause of death - Dr Lee

MELAKA, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The level of methanol content of between 30 and 50 times higher than the permissible amount has been identified as the cause of the death of 33 foreigners of toxic alcohol poisoning cases last week, said Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.

He noted that the high methanol content was believed to be due to a processing error while manufacturing the beer, which was supposed to generate a kind of alcohol compound called ethanol.

He said to date, a total of 87 cases of toxic alcohol poisoning have been reported in four states, namely Selangor, Federal Territories, Perak and Negeri Sembilan.

“We hope that the alcoholic drinks which have been identified as poisoned would be seized (by the related authorities) and no longer can be found in the market,” he told the press after launching the World Conference of Exercise Medicine (WCEM) 2018 here today.

Also present was WCEM patron Raja Datuk Seri Yong Sofia Sultan Azlan Shah and WCEM chairman Prof Datuk Seri Dr Jessy Lai.

On a different note, Dr Lee encouraged Malaysians to make exercise as their daily activity routine in order to control and prevent non-infectious diseases such as hypertension and diabetes as well as to avoid obesity.

According to him, one-third of the adult population in the country suffered from hypertension and diabetes, while 50 per cent of adults were obese or overweight.

“There is an increasing trend of  non-infectious diseases which could be the health burden for the country if no initial measures are taken to prevent or treat it,” he said.

He hopes those who want to exercise regularly to seek advice advice or references from experts and physiotherapists as each individual have a different strength or level of capability.

Dr Lee also advises the public to practice healthy eating habits including fruits and vegetables which could affect their health.

“Avoid late night suppers and reduce your carbohydrate intake,” he added.

-- BERNAMA