Food poisoning at UTS: No medical fees charged at government clinics, probe underway

Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee (file photo)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 29: A food poisoning incident involving foundation students during an orientation programme at Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) has triggered an ongoing investigation, with clarification that no medical fees were charged at government health facilities.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Education and Innovation) and chairman of the Board of Directors of UTS, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said he was disappointed over the incident, which is believed to have been caused by food supplied by an external catering company during the student orientation programme.

“I am very disappointed to receive news of the food poisoning case involving foundation students yesterday. It is understood that the incident was caused by food prepared by an external supplier,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

He also expressed concern over an earlier statement issued by the university, saying certain wording could lead to misunderstanding regarding the handling of the case.

To clarify the matter, Annuar said he had contacted the Sarawak Division Health Officer, Dr Teh, who provided updates on the situation.

According to him, Dr Teh confirmed that no medical fees were charged at government clinics as the affected students are entitled to treatment as students.

“However, those who sought treatment at private clinics or hospitals would have to bear their own costs,” he said.

He added that the Health Department would carry out a full investigation into the suspected food source and take appropriate action against the responsible supplier.

Earlier, UTS director Lu Yew King said the university deeply regretted the incident and extended apologies to affected students, parents and staff.

The university confirmed that the food served during the orientation programme was supplied by an external catering company, not prepared in-house, and said it was fully cooperating with the Ministry of Health Malaysia in the investigation.

It added that none of the affected students were in serious condition, with all receiving treatment and recovering well, and that no students were charged for medical attention at government facilities.

UTS said it had been working closely with affected students since the incident, providing transport, medical assistance and other support as needed, while urging full cooperation with health authorities.

Investigations are ongoing. — DayakDaily