Chicken Suspected In Food Poisoning As Koreans Fly Home
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Chicken served to a group of Korean tourists during their lunch in Temburong was suspected to have caused food poisoning among 30 visitors.

Mr. TC Chun, the Managing Director of Mas Sugara Travel Services revealed this in a press release regarding the incident

He said, "The cause of the food poisoning had been narrowed down to the chicken which was served during lunch at Temburong, as the seven people, who did not fall ill, did not consume the dish."

The ill tourists were sent to RIPAS hospital after complaints of vomiting, fever and diarrhea.

Mr. Chun added, "The Korean charter flight is a charter flight for golfers with additional programmes for spouses and relatives to enjoy what Brunei has to offer.

"Organised by the Golf Digest Korea and Net Tours, this is the first ever golf charter flight to Brunei with all ground handling to be handled by Mas Sugara Travel Services.

"On the day of departure, only two out of 24 hospitalized tourists were discharged and approved to travel" he said.

He said the other 22 patients signed an 'Against Medical Advice' forms witnessed by Mr. Park of the Korean Embassy. RIPAS hospital had no choice but to discharge the patients, he said.

With the advice of doctors from RIPAS hospital, Royal Brunei Airlines did not allow the patients to fly back to their country because the patients were unfit to travel and for the convenience of other passengers.

However, on 29th and 30th January, most of the Koreans who had recovered were put on other available flights to Korea. Some traveled via Singapore or Bangkok. Efforts were made to get the tourists back to their homeland before Chinese New Year, Mr Chun said.

Mr Chun regretted the incident and said that in his 21 years as a tour operator, this was the first time such an incident had happened.

He extended his sincere appreciation to all the doctors and nurses in RIPAS hospital and the Empire Hotel and Country Club for their help in the transfer of the ill Koreans to the hospital. (Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin)

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