Family decries absence of puffer fish death report

KLUANG - The family of Lim Siew Guan, 83, and Eng Kuai Sin @ Ng Chuan Sing, 84, who tragically died from eating puffer fish at their home last March, is urging for an immediate completion of the toxicology investigation report and for it to be shared with them.

The couple's daughter, Ng Ai Lee expressed her disappointment that the family has not received any report since the incident occurred.

"What troubles us is the fact that the fish seller responsible is still at large, and puffer fish continues to be sold, especially in Kota Kinabalu," she told a press conference in Kampung Chamek on Sunday.

"Despite their attempts to request the toxicology report, it was denied on the grounds that a legal advisor must first approve it.

"We fail to comprehend why we are being denied the right to know the truth about their death," she added.

It was reported that the deceased had purchased the puffer fish online via Facebook.

Ai Lee added that she was also disappointed with the investigation progress by Kluang District Health Office.

"They promised to update the information and contact us to explain this matter further.

"However, until now, there is not a single message received from them," she said.

Meanwhile, Ai Lee said she had contacted the fish seller to stop selling puffer fish at the market.

However, she said they still sell it and insist the fish is safe to consume.

"Apart from my parents' case, there are many other fatal cases due to puffer fish poisoning in Johor.

"The question is, why is there no serious action taken? After all, Tan Si Dr Noor Hisham (former Health director general) once said that puffer fish sale is controlled under the Malaysian Fish Development Board (LKIM) Act 1972 and Section 13 of the Food Act 1983, which prohibits selling any food that contains any poisonous, damaging or harmful substances in or on it.

"Hence, puffer fish which contain dangerous toxins are not allowed to be sold!" she said.