IPOH: Two foreigners from Bangladesh and Myanmar died today after allegedly consuming alcohol containing methanol.
Perak Health Department director Datuk Dr Ding Lay Ming said the department received the report on the incident yesterday and the duo were admitted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital here since Sunday (April 28).
“Among the symptoms showed were blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and semi-consciousness. Both of them had consumed alcohol before exhibiting the symptoms.
“The two were reported to be in a critical condition upon arrival at the hospital and they were pronounced dead early today. Clinical samples have been taken and sent to the laboratory for methanol identification,” she said in a statement today.
Dr Ding said the results of the samples have yet to be received and the department was still investigating the cause of the incident.
“The surveillance on alcohol drinks that are sold in the markets will also be increased. People are also advised not to consume bogus alcohol drinks.
“People are urged to take family members or friends who exhibit symptoms of methanol poisoning, such as stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, headache and blurred vision within five days of consuming alcohol to a medical centre immediately,” she said.