Food Poisoning in Malaysia
1.0 Introduction
The topic that I have chosen is food poisoning in Malaysia. I believe that food poisoning
cases in our country are getting worrisome, yet there is no one actually being arrested in court for
this matter. Despite those who preserve the rights for the victims involved, there are still people
who are being selfish as it does not affect their family and beloved ones. Thus, I decide to do the
project regarding food poisoning in Malaysia because there are many useful online articles and
newspaper that are related to this topic. Overall, I have selected 17 corpuses which discuss some
of the causes, effects, and preventions of food poisoning. Indeed, AntConc is a great analysis
toolkit because it helps process corpuses and display results in an understandable way.
2.0 Objectives
In general, there are five crucial objectives to be highlighted throughout this research:
1. To recognize the common factors of food poisoning.
2. To elicit information on how does food poisoning affect people and their health.
3. To identify which party normally involves in investigating this matter.
4. To know what are the actions taken if food poisoning cases occur.
5. To pinpoint the prevention steps in avoiding this problem.
3.0 Methodology
The best 17 online and newspaper articles about food poisoning in Malaysia are selected. These
corpuses are further analyzed by using AntC onc which includes a powerful concordance, word,
and keyword generators to specify the analysis of small sized corpuses from the major topic.
Thus, the common words or phrases regarding the reasons, effects, people, actions, and
precautions involved in food poisoning can easily be detected. The results then are compared and
contrasted in order to get balanced findings.
4.0 Findings
4.1 The common reasons of food poisoning
Throughout this research, the word contamination or contaminated are repeated so many
times in the corpuses. Thus, I consider contamination is the most common cause of food
poisoning. Food can be contaminated in many different ways. Parasites that contain in some food
products can spread during the packaging process if they are not handled appropriately. For
instance, E. coli bacteria typically occur after drinking unpasteurized milk or having
undercooked beef. Improperly cooking or storing food may cause contamination too. The food
poisoning incident which involved the Culture and Tourism Minister, three Malacca executive
councilors, and 30 senior tourism officials from ASEAN countries is believed to be triggered by
seafood meal. Laboratory tests on the food samples further showed that the food served on that
day was contaminated with E. coli bacteria, indicating contamination. Although most E. coli
bacteria are harmless, several strains such as the E. coli O157:H7 may lead to bloody diarrhea as
well as kidney failure and death.
Next, I assume that hygiene is another common factor of food poisoning. Nevertheless,
food poisoning happens due to the lack of hygiene awareness among eatery operators. In
Malaysia for instance, foreign workers are always seen washing plates next to a drain, where rats
and cockroaches are sighted peeking out from the walkway. Another foreign worker steadily
wipes the table with a damp cloth and proceeds to get the change at the cashier. These are among
the normal scenes at the local coffee shop, mamak stall, roadside stall or ‘pasar malam’. In fact,
there are people who claim “the dirtier the place, the better the food tastes”. Plus, food poisoning
is also caused by unhygienic canteens and hostel kitchens. The Health Ministry reported that
5,265 food poisoning cases occurred in schools or hostel canteens, making up 43% of 12,122
total cases reported nationwide in 2014. Food poisoning cases in school canteens and hostel
cafeteria were rising steadily, recording 3,822 in 2010, 3,959 in 2011, 4,305 in 2012 and 5,017 in
2013.
No of Corpus
Type of Word
Frequency
4
unhygienic
1
5
unhygienic
1
6
unhygienic
4
8
hygiene
1
13
cleanliness
2
16
clean
1
17
hygiene
2
Moreover, I predict that Salmonella infection is also the common factor of food
poisoning in Malaysia. It is frequently caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry or egg
products. Salmonella infection is a mutual bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract.
Salmonella bacteria are certainly present in chicken intestines, but if food handler had not
cooked and kept the chicken well, the bacteria can release great levels of toxin. In 2014, a
boarding school in Kuala Nerang, Malaysia reported more than 150 students became ill because
of a foodborne illness. Kedah state health director Ismail Abu Taat, reported the food poisoning
was caused by Ayam Masak Merah (chicken in spicy tomato sauce) supposed to be contaminated
with Salmonella from inappropriately stored chicken. “Salmonella bacteria is naturally present in
chicken intestines, but the food handler had not cooked and stored the chicken properly, thus
causing the bacteria to release high levels of toxin,” he told Bernama.
No of Corpus
Type of Word
Frequency
3
Salmonella
2
4
Salmonella
1
6
Salmonella
6
7
Salmonella
3
10
Salmonella
1
14
Salmonella
2
4.2 The effects of food poisoning
Based on my findings, I estimate the most familiar effects of food poisoning are diarrhea
and vomiting. This is due to the high frequency of these words repeated in the corpuses. In 2013
for instance, twelve school students of SK Mohd Shah in Pinang Tunggal suffered from
stomachaches and vomiting believed due to results of food poisoning. One of the students, Mohd
Danial Haikal said he felt nauseous after drinking milk and had to to vomit. "My stomach turned
after drinking the milk. I didn't have such a problem after eating nasi lemak much earlier," he
added. His classmate Zarith Sofia Mohd Rosdi said she suffered from a stomachache after
drinking milk from a box during recess. "I had stomach pain after drinking milk supplied by the
school and had to visit the toilet several times to vomit," she added. In another case in Muar, one
of the pupils said he had to run to the toilet after drinking the milk – “I vomited three times when
I was in the toilet and purged twice. After I returned to my class, several friends also suffered
similar pains.
Other than that, I predict most of the people who consume on poisoned food have the risk
to be admitted to the hospital. Words such as ‘hospitalized’, ‘warded’, ‘admitted’, ‘hospital’, and
‘patient’ are always appeared in the corpuses. In 2013, three people died and 65 others were
hospitalized due to food poisoning after they ate food served at a wedding in Kedah. On the other
hand, in 2014, seven students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato Syed Ahmad were
admitted to the hospital whereas 117 received outpatient treatment. In Tapah, some 66 students
of SM Sains Tapah were rushed to the district hospital after suspected with food poisoning.
Around 25 of them are Form Three students who had to take their PMR English and Geography
papers at the Tapah Hospital.
Besides, I assume food poisoning may cause death. This is because of the words ‘died’
and ‘death’ that are found everywhere in the corpuses. For example, different case in Kuala
Terengganu claims that a five-year-old boy died from food poisoning after he ate food from
‘pasar malam’. According to his mother, Siti Zuriana Mohd Yusoff, 28, her only child had gone
to the pasar malam with her husband and bought fried chicken, fried rice and yam juice. They
both complained of stomach pains and diarrhea before going to the clinic. Although the boy was
given breathing assistance before being sent to the hospital, he became weaker and unfortunately
died on the way there.
4.3 People in charge in food poisoning cases
Health Ministry states that 5,265 cases of food poisoning in the country were caused by
food prepared at school or hostel canteens. Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, whose name
stated several times in the corpuses, said the ministry is extremely looking into this matter as it
can affect learning in schools. He also claims food poisoning cases involving school and hostel
canteens nationwide had been on the rise since 2010.
Moreover, The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has warned the Health Ministry,
to firmly apply the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 due to the growing proof of food poisoning
cases in the country. “Food poisoning from harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical
substances caused the deaths of some two million people, mostly children, yearly worldwide,”
said CAP president S. M. Mohamed Idris in conjunction with World Health Day.
In another case which involves thirty-six people who are down with food poisoning after
eating Roti John at a Ramadan bazaar Shah Alam, health director-general, Datuk Seri Dr Noor
Hisham Abdullah said no deaths had been reported but 24 of them were treated in hospitals and
12 were given outpatient treatment.
On the other hand, State Women, Family, Health and Community Development
Committee chairman, Dr Robia Kosai said cases of food poisoning in schools should be fixed
fast. “We want the Health Department and those related with food supplied at all schools to
ensure all food is fresh and clean,” she added.
4.4 Actions taken in solving food poisoning cases
Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam wants the Education Ministry (KPM) to
blacklist operators of canteen and school hostel food hall that believed to be involved in food
poisoning cases. He said the rise in food poisoning cases every year involving school students
needed to be observed completely to ensure food prepared for the young generation was always
clean, safe and healthy. As the ministry responsible to assign the food providers, he wished KPM
would execute strict conditions, including cancelling contracts and not re-hired canteen operators
with such bad records.
Besides, Ministry Of Health director-general, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah says the
ministry is resolving the problem through various means. One of them is the Kendiri selfassessment programs, which require operators of hostel kitchens and school canteens to selfregulate in order to recover cleanliness and food safety. Another method is the inspection and
grading of school canteens and hostel kitchens. In addition, MOH organizes food safety
promotions to enhance food safety consciousness among students and implementation of food
hygiene regulation. In another case which involves thirty-six people who are down with food
poisoning after eating Roti John at a Ramadan bazaar Shah Alam, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham
Abdullah says the ministry would carry out measures to limit the eruption and cooperate with
local authorities to guarantee food safety was conserved at all Ramadan bazaars.
Moreover, Penang’s health department and local councils has launched surprise checks at
Ramadan bazaars in the state to stop food poisoning cases. State health executive councilor, Dr
Afif Bahardin said food poisoning cases would double or triple during Ramadan due to poor
hygiene in food handling at Ramadan bazaars. “We have launched Ops Bazaar Ramadan to
conduct surprise checks on these stalls and to take food samples from them to check for
contamination,” he said. Food handlers will be checked if they are vaccinated with typhoid jabs
or not. Food stalls of unhygienic food preparation can be fined up to RM250, depending on the
offence to ensure good hygiene in food handling.
On top of that, The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry will examine the claim
that chicken imported from Thailand was the cause of food poisoning that killed four people in
Kedah recently. Its minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, they will inform and seek the
cooperation of the Health Ministry to further investigate the matter. Four people died from food
poisoning after consuming a chicken dish, ‘ayam masak merah’ served at a wedding feast in
Kedah. The Health Ministry would always appoint a written approval before a food product
could be imported into Malaysia. “We had before stopped the import of chicken from China due
to the avian flu outbreak and the same thing happened with pork for health reason. Hence, when
a viral issue arises involving food, the Health Ministry should inform us first and we will always
extend our cooperation in tackling the issue,” he said.
Other than that, I can assume there are actually lots of campaigns held regarding this
issue. The most obvious one is when Malaysian Public Health Physicians' Association
(PPPKAM) runs the 'look, sniff, taste' campaign before having meals at any stalls or school
canteens. The vice-president of PPPKAM, Dr Othman Warijo said the three-step procedure was
a vital campaign held by the Health Ministry to prevent food poisoning. "Despite appearing
simple, the procedure is worthwhile to avoid food poisoning which can even result in death," he
said. He also claimed that victims of food poisoning always blamed the operators of food when
they themselves neglected the safety process before consuming the food. "Look at the physical
appearance of the food to find out if the gravy has become sticky. Sniff the food to determine if it
has rotted. Taste the food. If one is confident that the food is edible, then one can proceed.
Otherwise, leave it," he said.
4.5 The precaution steps to avoid food poisoning
In order to prevent food poisoning at home, several efficient steps should be practiced. I
predict the easiest way is perhaps, wash hands with soap and water before preparing and eating
food. As simple as it can be, but when handling food, it is significant to ensure hands are as clean
as possible. This is due to the cross contamination which may happen when the cooked food
comes into contact with raw meat and poultry. Hence, by washing hands with soap and warm
water for at least 20 seconds when handling meat and poultry, it can reduce the risk of food
poisoning.
Next, fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw must be washed. Do not let raw meat,
poultry, or fish mix with ready-to-cook foods such as fruits, bread, and salad. This is an
important way in avoiding food poisoning as food can be contaminated if they are contacted with
raw food. On the other hand, raw meat that is stored in the fridge has to be covered and kept on
the bottom of the shelf. Always wash hands, knife, and cutting board after cutting these meats. If
possible, avoid coughing, spitting, and chewing things near food so that saliva will not get in the
food. Also, throw food out when it spoils and do not allow pets to lick dishes clean.
Food need to be chilled at the proper temperature to halt the food-borne bacteria and
organisms from growing. Any level of temperatures between 4°C and 60°C will boost them to
grow speedily, so always make sure that temperature is below 5°C. Also, refrigerated food must
not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. The warmth of the kitchen and
exposure to other foods forms perfect conditions for spread of bacteria.
Besides, I can say the certain way to avoid food poisoning is to cook food thoroughly.
Certain foods like poultry, beef, and eggs should be cooked completely until steaming hot. Meat
must be cooked until it is no longer pink inside, and the egg yolks and whites are firm because
most of the nasty organisms grow in these foods while raw. When poultry is cooked thoroughly,
juices will be clear, not pink. Furthermore, a meat thermometer can be used to make sure that
meat and poultry are cooked all the way through.
The word ‘bad’ is written several times in the corpuses. Thus, I can conclude that we
must avoid eating food with bad smell, taste or colour. For instance, do not eat meat that changes
from red to brown. Plus, avoid eating stew or soup that have many bubbles on the top, along with
a bad smell slime on the surface of meat or cooked food. Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also
advices the public to only utilize hygienic restaurants and report cases of dirty food operators to
the Health Office or local authorities.
In schools, students need to be aware of the food served at canteens. Never eat food that
smells bad or food that have different colours from the usual one. In fact, students can always
bring food from home, which the preparation is more guaranteed to be safer and healthier. For
the School Milk Program (SMP), students are compulsory to check on the expiry date of the
milk, look for the condition of the container, and taste some of the milk without swallowing it. If
they notice something goes wrong with the food at canteens or the free milk scheme, they should
not be afraid to tell their teachers at once. Besides, canteen facilities such as toilets, sinks, and
dustbins must have good hygiene and smell. Floors, walls, ceilings and drains must also be kept
clean because their surfaces are disposed to to pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms
which can surely contaminate food.
5.0 Conclusion
Food poisoning, simply said, is an illness caused by consumption of contaminated food. In
most cases, the food is contaminated by some form of bacteria, virus, parasite or toxins. Every
now and then, we have outbursts everywhere in Malaysia, and we all know too well the story of
how they begin – mishandling of food and carelessness together with lack of hygienic practices
happen at the time of food processing, transport or preparations. The most effective way to avoid
this matter comes from oneself. The public, especially children and elderly should always be
aware of what they eat. People must own a sense of awareness about their food consumption and
do not just eat everything that comes across them. The simplest way to detect food poisoning is
by using the five senses of human beings. However, ministry of Health also needs to strictly
enforce the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009. Regular spot-check on school canteens, bazar
Ramadhan, roadside stalls, and even ‘pasar malam’ should be held to maintain the good hygiene
of food preparation. For those who are caught red-handed, punishments have to be conducted
immediately.
6.0 References
http://www.theantdaily.com/Main/Coming-clean-on-food-hygiene
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/12-penang-students-down-with-foodpoisoning
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/10/04/102-students-hit-in-two-suspected-foodpoisoning-cases/
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/ministry-imported-chicken-as-cause-ofdeadly-food-poisoning-under-investiga
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/02/158-students-in-malaysia-sick-with-food-poisoning/
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/04/07/cap-calls-for-govt-action-onfood-poisoning/
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/10/03/More-food-poisoning-in-schools-HealthMinister-concerned-over-negative-effect-on-students/
http://www.foodpoisoningnews.com/possible-salmonella-poisoning-sickened-158-students-inmalaysia/
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=83051
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/toxic-substances-main-suspect-in-foodpoisoning-at-school
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/03/03/Pasar-malam-food-poisoning-boy-death/
http://www.healthcareasia.org/2012/83-malaysian-students-ill-after-drinking-free-milk/
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