Malaysia hooch toll rises to 21

Kathmandu/Kuala Lumpur, Sept 19

The number of Nepali migrants dying in Selangor, Malaysia, after consuming hooch has reached six, while 12 Nepalis are still undergoing treatment in hospitals and four have been discharged.

In total, 57 individuals were affected in the incident, of which 21 died and 36 were hospitalised.

The deceased Nepalis include: Mim Bahadur Ghale from Baseri, Dhading; Ram Kumar Yadav from Masina, Rupandehi; Bishal Budathoki from Amargadhi, Dadeldhura; Sanjay Uraun from West Kushawaha, Sunsari; Bal Bahadur Kulung from Siddhithumka, Ilam; and Aita Singh Gole, whose details are yet to be ascertained.

Among the 12 who are receiving treatment are: Jit Bahadur Majhi from Ranichuri, Sindhuli; Radheshyam Baitha from Raghunathpur, Bara; Ram Chandra Lodh from Farena, Rupandehi; Lok Bahadur Baram from Chyangli, Gorkha; Rikha Man Syangtan from Dhungrekhola, Sarlahi; Durga Singh Rana from Deurali, Navalparasi; Set Bir Tumbahamphe from Chokamagu, Panchthar and Jambirlal Jhangad from Babiyabirta, Morang.

Details of Saru Magar, Sukuval Ghishing, Rajesh Kumar and Bimal Karki, who are also undergoing treatment, have not been ascertained yet, according to Nepali Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Those who have already been discharged from the hospital are: Lunganath Magar from Siddhakali, Sankhuwasabha; Pravin Tharu from Mainapokhar, Bardiya; Durga Bahadur Rai from Mahendranagar, Sunsari; and Bhagiman Dangi from Rangasi, Rolpa.

The embassy stated in a press release that it would initiate steps to send the bodies to Nepal immediately after the conclusion of autopsy and necessary police investigations.

Selangor police have informed the embassy that the autopsy reports would be out by Friday, according to Joint Secretary Tapas Adhikari, who heads the Southeast Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Adhikari said the police had also seized 1,400 bottles of alcohol from the vicinity for investigation.

Malaysia Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad told Reuters news agency, “We are very concerned. This adulterated liquor is secretly made,” he told a press conference. “There are unscrupulous people out there seeking to make money by producing these adulterated drinks.”

(With inputs from Reuters)

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