KUALA LUMPUR – Two children, aged two and three, are in critical condition after allegedly consuming keropok (snacks) laced with rat poison.
The incident was reported to have occurred yesterday in Kampung Padang Ubi, Labu Besar, Kulim.
Kulim district police chief Mohd Azizul Mohd Khairi said the incident involving the siblings was noticed by their 25-year-old mother at around 11am.
The children began vomiting and had foamy mouths when they returned home, he added.
“The keropok containing rat poison were hung by residents on iron wires around the garden fence to trap monkeys.
“Both victims are believed to have opened and eaten the keropok,” he said.
Azizul said the mother then took both of her children to the Malau Health Clinic at around 11.30am.
He added that both boys were then taken to Kulim Hospital for further treatment. Medical officers there found both victims in critical condition.
“At 7.30pm on the same day, both victims were taken to Penang General Hospital for further treatment.
“The case is being investigated under the Section 21(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for neglect and Section 284 of the Penal Code for negligent conduct with poisonous substances,” he said. – July 8, 2024