MELAKA: Some 51 students from a college in Melaka Tengah are suspected to have suffered from food poisoning after consuming a meal from the café at the higher education institution.
The case came to light after six students were rushed to Jasin Hospital last Thursday after they complained of suffering from stomach aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever.
State Education, Higher Education, and Religious Affairs Committee Chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said the number of those who sought treatment at nearby health facilities increased to 51, comprising 36 female and 15 male students, as of 6.30pm yesterday.
"All of them are reported to be in stable condition. Only one student was admitted to the hospital while others received outpatient treatment.
"They were allowed to return to their hostels," he said when contacted.
Rahmad added that there were no new cases reported as of noon today.
Following the incident, all seven cafes operating at the college have been instructed to temporarily close their operations for 14 days until Aug 30 for cleaning and sanitation works.
This follows an inspection by health enforcement officers which did not find any specific source that led to the food poisoning among the affected students.
"The affected students claimed to have consumed various dishes from seven different cafés at the college.
"As such, all seven cafés have been ordered to close to carry out cleaning and sanitisation operations to 'break the chain' of the food poisoning.
"A re-inspection by the State Health Department authorities will be conducted on Aug 19 to evaluate the cleanliness level of all the affected cafés," he said.