KOTA KINABALU – Some 91 SK Pulau Gaya pupils showed symptoms of food poisoning at noon yesterday, confirmed the Sabah Education Department.
Education director Datuk Raisin Saidin said all the affected pupils received treatment at several hospitals and clinics here.
“90% of the pupils were admitted to hospitals for monitoring and the remaining 10% were allowed to return home.
“This incident was first detected around noon when the teacher noticed a pupil vomiting and showing other symptoms.
“The school, through the teacher, then sought more information to see if other pupils were experiencing the same symptoms.
“Preliminary information obtained found that more than 20 pupils were experiencing the same symptoms,” Raisin said in a statement today.
He said the school collected information on the pupils involved and transported them to the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital in Likas.
He added that there were other pupils seeking treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and Luyang health clinic.
“Following the incident, the school discontinued the supplementary meal plan (RMT) programme immediately for the afternoon session.
“The school also advised parents and guardians to bring their children under their care to seek immediate treatment at a nearby clinic if there were symptoms of food poisoning.”
Raisin said that based on reports collected by the student affairs unit of the Kota Kinabalu education office (PPDKK), a total of 55 pupils were treated at Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital, 25 at QEH, eight at the Luyang health clinic, one at the Kota Kinabalu UTC clinic, and two at Safma Kota Kinabalu Jetty.
He said the pupils’ health status was at level two and being monitored by the hospital.
“The PPDKK has made an appointment with the Kota Kinabalu Health Office team to conduct an investigation and take samples at the school on Tuesday.
“The PPDKK has ordered that the canteen and RMT services be stopped immediately for the safety of the pupils temporarily on Monday.”
Raisin also said the Sabah Education Department had requested that all parents and guardians report immediately if any of their children experience symptoms of food poisoning.
“So far, the cause of the food poisoning is still being investigated, and it is unclear whether it was caused by food from the school canteen or RMT.” – July 23, 2024