THE Penang Health Department (JKN Pulau Pinang) seized a batch of "Gummy Original Basketball Soft Candy" from a premises in Jalan Sungai Dua, Butterworth, following a tragic incident where a 10-year-old boy died after choking on the candy.
The seizure took place last Wednesday during an inspection by JKN enforcement officers around stalls near a school, where the incident occurred.
State Health and Sports Committee Chairman, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, confirmed that the seizure was made after an investigation revealed that the candy was believed to have been purchased from a nearby stall close to the school.
The child, Mohammad Fahmi Hafiz Mohammad Fakhruddin, was reportedly choking on the candy and later passed away while receiving treatment at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Penang Hospital on the night of February 19.
“The investigation found that the gummy candy was likely purchased from one of the stalls near the school, and after further checks in the area, enforcement officers located the product at a nearby premises,” Gooi said in a statement today.
JKN Pulau Pinang is continuing to investigate the safety of the product, and further actions will be coordinated by the Food Safety and Quality Program at the Ministry of Health.
Gooi emphasised that the Penang Health Department would continue to monitor and enforce food safety measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
“We urge the public, especially parents, to be vigilant and cautious when it comes to food choices, particularly those with a choking hazard,” he added.
He also advised parents to supervise their children while they eat, particularly with foods that pose choking risks, to ensure their safety.
The tragic event occurred when Mohammad Fahmi, a Year 4 student at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Dua in Butterworth, purchased two pieces of the gummy candy before attending a Quranic class at 2:30 PM.
Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to the incident later that evening.
Meanwhile, the state councillor extended condolence wiches to the family of 10 - year old who is believed to have choked to death while chewing a gummy candy.
Gooi, who oversees the matters of health and youth, said that there must be a determination to prevent such an incident from recurring.
The tragedy which led to the death of Mohamad Fahmi, who studied at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Dua, Butterworth. The victim had just begun his fresh school term when he unfortunately lost his life.
The state health department, is currently investigating further regarding the safety of this food product and further action will be coordinated at the headquarters of the Food Safety and Quality Programme under the Health Ministry.
Accordingly, any consumption of any food for children should be under the supervision of a parent or guardian, said Gooi.
According to reports in Harian Metro, the boy's aunt, Siti Farhani Mohamad Fikri, 33, confirmed of the boy's untimely demise.
"Fahmi (Mohamad Fahmi Hafiz Mohamad Fakhruddin) passed away around 11pm. He died while receiving treatment at the Penang General Hospital (HPP)," she said.
His body is expected to be taken back to the grandmother's house in Permatang Binjai, Penaga.
Funeral arrangements will be made at the house, and the burial is expected to take place today.
It was earlier reported that the boy was critical condition and was being treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). - February 21, 2025.
Penang Health Department, seal, gummy, sweet, Mohammad Fahmi Hafiz Mohammad Fakhruddin, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen. – February 21, 2025
