334 Students and Teachers in Agam, West Sumatra, Suffer Food Poisoning from MBG Programme

A total of 334 beneficiaries of the MBG (Free Nutritious Meal) programme in the Palupuh District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, have suffered food poisoning and are currently undergoing medical treatment.

The District Head of Palupuh, Nong Rianto Dt Maruhum, stated that the victims, who fell ill after lunch, originate from three different villages within the district: Nagari Palupuh, Nagari Nan Limo, Pasia Laweh, and Koto Rantang. The current total number of affected individuals stands at 334.

The beneficiaries are suspected to have been poisoned on Tuesday (1/9) around 10:00 WIB. Students reported symptoms including fever, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, prompting an immediate rush to the Palupuh Community Health Centre (Puskesmas).

Jonnedi, the Head of SD Negeri 08 Nan Limo, one of the affected schools, noted that while students consumed the MBG meals on Monday (31/8) without issue, symptoms began emerging the following morning. He could not yet confirm if the meals were the definitive cause. At his school, the number of symptomatic students rose from 21 to 54 within a single day.

According to preliminary district data, the 334 victims include 274 primary school students and 19 teachers from across the Palupuh district, as well as 40 students and two teachers from SMPN 1 Palupuh. All victims have been transported to the Palupuh Community Health Centre and hospitals in Bukittinggi.

The Deputy Regent of Agam, Muhammad Iqbal, confirmed the suspected poisoning incident. He stated that the Health Office and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) are currently conducting further examinations regarding the consumed meals.