Kajang school canteen shut for 14 days after pupils fall ill as health officials investigate

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — A school canteen in Sungai Ramal, Kajang, has been ordered to close for two weeks after several pupils reportedly fell ill with vomiting, dizziness and stomach aches, as health authorities investigate the cause of the incident.

The closure of the canteen at Sekolah Seri dan Semi ABIM Sungai Ramal follows reports that a number of children became unwell after eating at the school on Monday. The cause of the illnesses has not been established.

According to a closure notice sighted by Sinar Harian, the canteen kitchen was ordered to cease operations for 14 days, from yesterday until July 14.

The order was issued under Section 18(1)(d) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, which allows authorities to close premises believed to be in a condition that could contribute to the outbreak or spread of an infectious disease.

A parent of one of the affected pupils said her daughter was among the children who developed symptoms after vomiting three times while at school.

“By the grace of God, she had recovered by that night. As of yesterday (Tuesday), the situation appeared to be under control,” she said, as reported by the national daily.

The parent said her daughter told her the sambal beef served at the canteen was spicy. Others also alleged the dish had an unpleasant smell, although there has been no official confirmation linking the food to the reported illnesses.

Parents also said the school had kept them informed through its official communication channels, issuing updates since the incident while health officials carried out inspections and investigations.

The temporary closure appears to be a precautionary public health measure rather than a confirmation of the source of the illnesses.

At the time of writing, neither the school nor the Selangor Health Department had issued an official statement identifying the cause of the incident.