The Health Ministry has launched an awareness campaign after a spate of suspected methanol poisoning cases that have left 19 dead so far.

This includes infographics in foreign languages targeted at migrant workers, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

“The Health Ministry will continue to raise awareness on the dangers of consuming any alcohol that may contain methanol through the distribution of infographics, pamphlets, and health education, especially to the families and friends of patients,” Dzulkefly said.

When asked about efforts to reach out to migrant workers, Noor Hisham (photo) said they will be informed about avoiding contaminated drinks.

"Our health education division has actually come up with infographics to explain, in their own languages as well,” he said.

Dzulkefly noted that the ministry will cooperate with the police, the Customs Department, local councils, UNHCR, employers and other agencies to contain and monitor the situation.

According to the minister, five of the 55 individuals admitted to government health facilities due to suspected methanol poisoning are Malaysians.

The rest were from Nepal (22), Myanmar (15), Bangladesh (9), India (2) Indonesia (1), as well as one individual of unknown nationality.

Dzulkefly added that of the 48 cases in Selangor, 16 have died, 22 have been hospitalised – including those in intensive care – and 10 have been discharged.

In Kuala Lumpur, three have died, two are in intensive care, and two have been warded.

“The standard procedure is to undergo gastric lavage, and to be given (treatment) for metabolic acidosis to detoxify,” he said.

Dzulkefly said the government could not ascertain the number of cases admitted to private facilities at this point, but added that there are likely two further cases.

Hard to spot dirty drinks

The health minister said consumers would not be able to determine whether an alcoholic beverage had been contaminated with methanol by its taste, smell, or colour.

Instead, consumers would have to spot these drinks by its branding.

According to Dzulkefly, the alcohol brands believed to be contaminated are Grand Royal Whisky, Mandalay Whisky, and Kingfisher beer.

Thus far, he said, Grand Royal Whisky was found to have methanol content in excess of the limits allowed under the Food Act 1983. However, he stressed that analysis is still ongoing.

He added that the suspect beverages also did not comply with labelling requirements under the Food Regulations 1985, such as not including the name and address of the manufacturer, agent, or importer on the label.

“The Health Ministry is taking enforcement action against the alcoholic beverages concerned and other alcoholic beverage brands that do not conform to food laws,” he said, adding that 291 bottles have been seized thus far.

The crime of poisoning food is criminalised under Section 13 of the Food Act 1983, and is punishable with a fine up to RM100,000, imprisonment up to 10 years, or both.

Asked for the cause of the sudden outbreak of methanol poisoning, Dzulkefly said such outbreaks had happened before.

He said it may have been a bad batch from the manufacturer, or it may have been adulterated by a third party. Ultimately, he said, it is up to the police to investigate.

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