In a statement, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said these deaths came from 55 cases of methanol poisoning reported during the period – a fatality rate of 60%.

The cases came from six states namely Selangor (25), Perak (13), Pahang (5), Penang (6), Johor (1) and Negeri Sembilan (1), and four more from Kuala Lumpur.

Of the deaths, 18 were Malaysians, seven from Myanmar, five Indian nationals and three from Nepal.

Seven cases have been discharged from the hospital while 15 are still receiving treatment, and 12 of them are in the intensive care unit.

It is not known whether all of them consumed the drinks from the same source.

“Methanol can be present in toxic quantities as a result of an imperfect distillation process for alcoholic beverages, or from methanol being mixed with alcoholic beverages before drinking,” Noor Hisham said.

“Methanol poisoning is also commonly associated with illegally manufactured alcoholic beverages, as methanol is usually mixed into the beverage as a substitute for ethanol.

“This is because methanol is cheaper than ethanol.”

Noor Hisham advised the public not to consume any drinks they suspected of containing methanol, and ensure the drinks they purchased contained proper information on the manufacturer, distributor or importer, as well as the ingredients they contained.

“They should also avoid consuming alcoholic beverages that are home-brewed and sold at cheap prices. Better still, adopt a healthy lifestyle without alcohol.”

He said symptoms of methanol poisoning included abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache and blurred vision within five days of consumption.

Those suspected to be suffering from methanol poisoning should be brought to the nearest healthcare facility immediately.

Under Section 13 of the Food Act 1984, anyone who prepares or sells a food product containing any poisonous, harmful or otherwise detrimental substance is liable to a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both, upon conviction.