KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has filed a RM1.8 million lawsuit against Sunway Lagoon following an alleged food poisoning incident involving hundreds of participants during a family day event at the theme park last year.
According to a report by English daily New Straits Times (NST), the suit was filed at the Shah Alam High Court on Jan 2, with MCMC alleging breach of contract and negligence in relation to food preparation during the event.
In its statement of claim, MCMC said Sunway Lagoon had been appointed to organise the family day held on Oct 4, which was attended by more than 5,800 guests, including MCMC staff, their family members, as well as representatives from the Communications Ministry and MyCreative Ventures.
NST reported that outside food was not allowed on the day and all lunch meals were provided by the theme park operator.
However, during the event, an MCMC staff member reportedly informed a Sunway Lagoon representative that one of the dishes had an unpleasant smell and tasted sour, but the complaint was not properly addressed.
It was reported that within 24 to 48 hours after the event, MCMC received reports from participants, including children, who experienced symptoms such as acute diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and fever, with more than 870 individuals reportedly affected.
Following the incident, MCMC lodged a police report and informed the Petaling District Health Office, which later ordered the closure of Sunway Lagoon’s food and beverage section for 14 days starting Oct 7 for cleaning and disinfection.
In the lawsuit, MCMC is seeking a full refund of RM1.82 million, medical costs, damages and other compensation, including claims of operational disruption and reputational damage arising from the incident.
The case is scheduled for case management at the Shah Alam High Court on April 29, with focus now on determining liability and food safety standards at large-scale public events. - AWANI