TAWAU: The Health Department and relevant agencies have been urged to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into public reports and complaints alleging symptoms of stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea over the past few days.
Kalabakan MP Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy (pic) said the investigation must be carried out across water supplies, food premises and the environment to identify the actual cause and safeguard the safety of the public.
“I view seriously the increase in public complaints regarding cases of stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea in Tawau recently,” he said, Monday.
Hence, he requested the Health Department and relevant agencies to immediately execute inspections and investigations.
“Inspections should encompass all possible sources, including water supplies, food, food premises and environmental factors, so that the root cause can be identified based on authentic test results and investigations,” the MP said.
He expressed hope that the outcome of these inspections will be made public promptly to address anxieties and allow appropriate preventive measures to be taken.
He stressed that the issue of public health and safety must be given priority, adding that he will continue to monitor developments from time to time.
“I hope appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the authorities’ investigation,” he added.
Earlier, various segments of the community in the district claimed to be suffering from stomach aches, vomiting and diarrhoea, sharing their experiences across their respective social media platforms, in addition to keeping their children home from school on Monday due to health issues.
They claimed to have experienced these symptoms since Sunday and advised the public not to drink or cook using tap water at home, including water processed through branded filtration units, and to purchase bottled mineral water instead. Meanwhile, the Tawau Water Department advised consumers to lodge reports with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) to enable investigations into their complaints, including the health issues being experienced.
