Malaysia health ministry warns against drinking pre-mixed coffee offered by strangers

Samples of an instant coffee mixture, identified in some local media reports as Mycafe Penang Durian White Coffee, were detected with a substance believed to be drugs. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

GEORGE TOWN (BERNAMA) - Beware of pre-mixed coffee offered by strangers. It may be laced with drugs.

The Health Ministry has warned the public not to consume pre-mixed coffee offered by strangers as it might be spiked with drugs.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam confirmed the analysis on the sample of coffee consumed by two Nepalese men, which caused them to experience extreme fatigue, contained psychoactive chemical substance.

"We had five patients (with similar symptoms) before this. Yesterday, there were two more cases with similar symptoms after they consumed coffee offered by strangers. It seems there is some kind of syndicate giving away coffee sachets which contain drugs.

"People must be careful, do not accept anything from strangers. We will do our analysis while the police will investigate on their part such as (locating) the source and so on," he told reporters after officiating the opening of a holistic medical centre here on Sunday (Feb 4).

Three men and two women were treated at the Penang Hospital after experiencing extreme fatigue and weakness while some also fainted after allegedly drinking a coffee between Jan 27 and 30.

The five, aged 19 to 62 years, were warded for observation and tests. Three have since been discharged.

Dr Subramaniam said the ministry was now investigating all aspects, including the factory and the production of the coffee.

Asked whether the ministry would withdraw the product from the market, he said there was no evidence that showed the coffee produced by the factory contained the illegal substance.

"Until we finalise the investigation, we advise the people to be careful. Until we have strong evidence to incriminate the producers, we do not have any immediate intention to withdraw it from the shelves," said the minister.

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