THIRTY-THREE methanol poisoning deaths due to consuming home-made alcohol have been reported between September 9 and 30, director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said today.

The deaths were out of 55 cases involving methanol poisoning reported to the Health Ministry (MOH).

“The MOH has received 55 notifications of methanol poisoning from seven states. Cumulatively, the case fatality rate is 33, or 60%,” Noor Hisham said in a statement today.

Selangor reported the highest number of cases, at 25, followed by Perak (13), Penang (six), Pahang (five), Kuala Lumpur (four) and one each in Johor and Negri Sembilan.

“Of the 55 cases reported, 26, or 47%, involved Malaysians and the rest, foreigners.” he said. 

“Of the 33 deaths, 18 involved Malaysians while seven involved migrants from Myanmar, five from India and three from Nepal.”

Of the cases that did not involve deaths, seven have been discharged from hospital while 15 are still undergoing treatment. Twelve of them are in the intensive care unit while the other three are in normal wards.

Noor Hisham said the methanol poisoning happened when consuming alcohol that is not distilled properly, which is often the case for those brewed illegally.

“Methanol is usually mixed into the beverage as a substitute for ethanol. This is because methanol is cheaper than ethanol,” he said.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning include stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, headache and loss of vision within five days of consumption.

Noor Hisham said those with these symptoms after consuming home-made alcohol should seek help from the nearest clinic or hospital.

Under section 13 of the Food Act 1984, anyone who prepares or sells a food product containing any poisonous, harmful or otherwise detrimental substance is liable to a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both, upon conviction.

“The MOH, police, customs department and local councils view this issue seriously. The relevant agencies will continue monitoring to ensure no import or export of controlled items or sale and distribution of alcohol tainted with methanol on licensed premises.” – October 1, 2021.