2 Boys In Critical Condition After Eating Poisoned Snacks Found On Orchard Fence
Police said the poison was meant for monkeys.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 09 Jul 2024, 12:07 PM
Two brothers, aged two and three, are currently in critical condition after ingesting snacks laced with rat poison found on an orchard fence near their home in Labu Besar, Kedah
According to Berita Harian, their mother rushed them to Malau Health Clinic after they began vomiting at 11am yesterday, 8 July.
Kulim district police chief Supt Mohd Asyil Mohd Khairi said investigations revealed the boys had consumed snacks hanging on a wire fence, containing poison meant for a monkey trap in Kampung Padang Ubi.
The orchard reportedly belongs to residents near the victims' home in Kampung Banggol Berangan.
"Both victims are believed to have eaten the snacks. Soon after, the mother found her sons vomiting and foaming at the mouth," said Mohd Asyil.
The victims were transferred to Kulim Hospital after being rushed to the clinic. They are currently receiving treatment at Penang General Hospital.
The case is currently being investigated for alleged child neglect and the police are also looking for a suspect, believed to be the victims' neighbour, to assist in the investigation
Speaking to the media after the incident, the victims' 25-year-old mother, Nurain Hasnorizal, said doctors are struggling to cure her three-year-old son, Muhammad Akil Syauqi Abdul Rahman.
Meanwhile, her two-year-old son, Muhammad Luth Syauqi, is still in a coma.
"I was told by the doctors that they could not perform treatment on Muhammad Akil Syauqi's kidneys due to his unstable condition.
"His blood pressure is also low, and his kidney condition could worsen if the doctors proceed with the treatment.
"As for Muhammad Luth Syauqi, he underwent a computed tomography scan today (8 July) and remains in a coma.
"Right now, my mind is still in a state of confusion. However, I appeal to the public to pray for the recovery of both of my sons," she was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
The victims' grandmother, Saadiah Yaacob, revealed that the boys looked happy when they brought the snacks home
"I thought someone gave them the snacks because it looked like they were having a lot of fun," the 62-year-old told Berita Harian.
She said she saw the victims entering their mother's room but did not see them eating the snacks.
When an ambulance arrived at their house, she realised that the snacks could have been taken from the orchard's fence, about 50m from their home.
"I saw that the two packages of snacks had been opened [in their mother's room]. There were only three pieces left and I suspected that they had already eaten the crackers," she said.
The victims' grandfather, Muhammad Nazar, said the snacks may have contained a potent poison rather than the typical rat poison.
According to him, the snacks containing the poison should have been placed in a safer location out of children's reach.
Muhammad Nazar (left) and Saadiah Yaacob showing a photo of Muhammad Luth Syauqi Nur Sufian.
Image via Zuliaty Zulkiffli/Berita Harian