Lok Lok Truck Allegedly Causes Food Poisoning for 27 Friends, Medical Bill Totals RM3,375

Food poisoning can strike when you least expect it, turning what should be a pleasant meal into a painful and distressing experience.

Contaminated food can cause severe illness, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever. In some cases, food poisoning can even result in hospitalisation, making it crucial for food vendors and consumers alike to prioritise hygiene and food safety.

Photo via Facebook (Connie Tew)

A group of holidaymakers in Genting Sempah, Pahang, recently suffered a severe case of food poisoning after hiring a lok lok truck for dinner.

According to a Facebook post by Connie Tew, the incident occurred on 1 February during a Chinese New Year getaway with her friends. The group of 36 had rented two bungalows for a three-day, two-night stay. After noticing a lok lok truck catering for their neighbours, they decided to hire it for their own dinner.

Everything seemed fine until about four hours later when the first signs of food poisoning appeared. By 10pm, more than 10 people began experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhoea. By the next morning, the situation had worsened, with two individuals requiring hospitalisation and several others seeking medical treatment.

Tew revealed that 27 out of the 36 people in the group fell ill. The ordeal forced some to take medical leave from work, while children missed school. The group collectively spent RM3,375 on medical expenses and demanded compensation from the lok lok truck company, along with a refund of the RM2,000 they had paid for the service.

However, the company allegedly refused to take responsibility, instead blaming the driver for taking the job independently. They also attempted to shift blame by suggesting that the group had consumed something else earlier in the day that may have caused the food poisoning.

Tew dismissed these claims, pointing out that her friends had eaten in separate groups at different places before dinner, yet all of them fell ill after consuming the lok lok.

Tew clarified that she was not sharing the incident to demand compensation but to raise awareness about the importance of food hygiene, "If you saw your friends suffering from food poisoning for two to three days, would you feel okay? 

“I believe many of you have experienced food poisoning before and understand how painful it can be. To all food business owners: please pay attention to food quality and hygiene," she urged.

Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can present itself in various ways, but the most common symptoms include:

1. Nausea and vomiting

2. Diarrhoea

3. Stomach cramps

4. Fever

5. Weakness and fatigue

6. Dehydration

What to Do If You Have Food Poisoning

If you experience food poisoning symptoms, take immediate action to prevent further complications:

1. Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. Oral rehydration solutions can help prevent dehydration.

2. Rest – Your body needs time to recover, so avoid strenuous activities.

3. Avoid Solid Foods – Stick to bland foods like crackers or toast once your stomach settles.

4. Monitor Symptoms – If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or worsen (e.g., blood in stool, high fever), seek medical attention immediately.

Food poisoning is preventable, but only if both consumers and food vendors take proper precautions. Let’s all be mindful of what we eat and ensure our food is prepared and handled safely.