An investigation is underway following a food poisoning incident involving foundation students during an orientation programme at Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), with authorities confirming that affected students were not charged for treatment at government healthcare facilities.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development I and UTS Board of Directors chairman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said he was deeply disappointed by the incident, which is believed to have been caused by food supplied by an external catering company hired for the orientation programme.
In a Facebook post, Annuar said he was also concerned about the wording used in an earlier statement issued by the university, warning that it could have led to misunderstandings over how the situation was being handled.
To clarify the matter, he contacted Sarawak Division Health Officer Dr Teh, who confirmed that all affected students received treatment at government clinics without being charged, as they were entitled to free medical care under their student status.
However, Annuar noted that students who chose to seek treatment at private clinics or hospitals would have to bear the medical costs themselves.
He added that the Health Department would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the suspected source of the food poisoning and take appropriate action against the catering company found responsible, if any wrongdoing is established.
Earlier, UTS director Lu Yew King expressed regret over the incident and apologised to the affected students, their families and university staff. He confirmed that the food served during the orientation programme had been prepared by an external caterer rather than the university’s own facilities.
The university said it is fully cooperating with the Ministry of Health Malaysia throughout the investigation and stressed that none of the affected students were in serious condition. All have received medical treatment and are reported to be recovering well.
UTS also said it has been providing transportation, medical assistance and other forms of support to affected students while urging everyone involved to cooperate fully with health authorities as investigations continue.
The case has highlighted the importance of strict food safety standards during large-scale student events, with authorities expected to determine the exact cause of the outbreak in the coming days.
