IPOH: A total of 60 students from Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Gerik suffered food poisoning after having their iftar meal at the hostel.
Perak Human Resources, Health and Indian Community Affairs Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the students were suspected to have food poisoning after having the 'ayam masak merah' dish served at the meal.
Sivanesan said he received a report on the incident from the Hulu Perak district Health Office at 11.38am yesterday.
"The students experienced stomachache, diarrhoea, vomiting and headache and they have received treatment from the district health's mobile medical team. None of them were referred to the hospital.
"The students are believed to have eaten ayam masak merah on Sunday. Based on the interview with the students, the raw chickens could have spoiled before cooking due to unpleasant smell," he told reporters today.
Sivanesan added the students aged 13 and 17 experienced food poisoning symptoms between Sunday and Monday, from 8pm and 7am.
"Following this incident, the hostel's canteen will be closed for three days under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 for cleaning work and further investigation," he said adding that 10 samples were taken from the food.
Sivanesan added on behalf of the state government and state Health Department, he would like to apologise to the parents for the inconvenience caused.
"I will also be meeting the hostel's kitchen operator and the school administration this week. I would like to know how they prepare and store the food there.
"Food operators in schools and hostels should not take the issue of food hygiene and safety lightly," he added.