SANDAKAN – The death of a ten-year-old boy from food poisoning was confirmed to not have been caused by food from the school canteen, according to the Sabah Education Department.
Its director, Datuk Raisin Saidin said Muhammad Mifzal Anaqi bin Muhammad Rizal, a Standard 4 student, had taken sick leave on July 23 and was admitted to Hospital Duchess of Kent’s emergency unit on the night of July 24.
The class teacher was informed of the student’s passing on July 25 at 7am. The headmaster and several teachers then visited the deceased in Kampung Tinusa, Mile 7.
“We have investigated the case and determined that the pupil suffered from food poisoning.
“Both the pupil and his mother were admitted to the hospital. Since only one student was affected and his mother experienced food poisoning at home on the same day, it has been concluded that the food poisoning was not caused by food from the school canteen.
“Other students at school did not have any symptoms of food poisoning to date,” he said in a statement today, adding that the department will prepare a full report upon completing the investigation.
The pupil’s death had raised concerns among parents of students at the school.
However, he said it has been communicated that the school canteen is safe and that the school management will continue to monitor the safety of the food served there. – July 26, 2024