‘Food safety involves everybody in the food chain.’
– Mike Johanns. He was U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 2005 to 2007 under President George W. Bush.
In this article, I would like to share my personal experiences with food poisoning on two separate occasions. These incidents left a lasting impact on me, teaching me valuable lessons about the severity of the illness and the importance of food safety.
The first food poisoning incident was while I was travelling from Sarikei to Miri (Circa 1997). I vividly remember that day when I embarked on the bus trip with my two brothers. Before our journey, we decided to satisfy our hunger at a popular coffee shop, known for its special noodle dish. Little did I know that this seemingly innocent meal would lead to a nightmare of food poisoning.
Around twenty minutes after consuming the special noodle, I felt a sudden sharp pain in my stomach. Desperately needing to use the restroom, I had to wait until we reached the Sibu side of the Durin ferry, where I finally informed the bus driver of my urgent situation. With great relief, I managed to find a public toilet by the roadside, but I wasn’t alone. Another passenger in the adjacent restroom was also hurriedly disposing of their discomfort.
Throughout the journey to Miri, my condition worsened, and I had to rely on the kind cooperation of the bus driver. We made a brief stop before Selangau, allowing a few passengers, including myself, to find relief in the bushes by the roadside. It was a humbling experience to realize that I wasn’t the only one suffering from the same predicament. After what felt like an eternity, I returned to the bus, only to find out that we had to wait for another passenger to finish their ordeal.
When we finally reached Selangau, the bus made a longer stop, giving me ample time to recover. However, I decided to abstain from consuming any food or drink, opting only for some mineral water to stay hydrated. Our next stop was at Batu Niah, between Bintulu and Miri. By then, my symptoms had slightly improved, but I still needed to use the restroom. With great discomfort, I managed to find relief and finally reached Miri in the evening.
Upon arrival, I wasted no time and called my cousin Dom, who quickly picked me up and took me to Dr. Chong’s Clinic for consultation. Although there was no specific treatment, Dr. Chong prescribed me the necessary medication, which I promptly took. I found refuge at my cousin’s residence in Piasau, Miri, where I hoped to recover from this harrowing experience.
The second time I had food poisoning was two years later after celebrating Gawai Dayak with my family at my aunt’s residence in Piasau, Miri. This time, my aunt prepared a packed dinner for me, consisting of curried meats and vegetables. Thinking it was safe, I brought the packed meal to my office in Bandar Seri Begawan, where I heated it using a microwave oven.
Unfortunately, the seemingly harmless meal turned out to be a catalyst for another bout of food poisoning. As the day progressed, I started experiencing intense stomach pain. I rushed to the nearest hotel restroom, barely able to walk. My colleague Tony, who had been waiting for me, grew concerned and called out for me. I informed him of my distressing condition, and he promptly drove me back to our shared flat in Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan.
The night that followed was a nightmare of vomiting and constant trips to the restroom. The pain was excruciating, and I felt utterly helpless. The next day, I sought medical attention, informing my editor-in-chief about my situation and requesting a day off. The doctor advised me to take two days’ sick leave to recover fully.
These two incidents of food poisoning left me with valuable lessons and a newfound appreciation for food safety. Despite the suffering, I managed to recover within a few days in both instances.
The severity of the 1999 incident, with its vomiting symptoms, was particularly alarming. I learned to be cautious, especially when consuming packed food, even if it had been heated.
My experiences have taught me the importance of hygiene, proper food handling, and being mindful of the potential risks associated with contaminated food.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
