While the state health department said the canteen would be closed till Oct 8, Perak health executive councillor A Sivanesan said he had ordered the department to keep the canteen shuttered until he gives them further instructions.

Sivanesan also told FMT that he would visit the school on Monday.

Perak health director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said the 101 cases involved 50 female and 51 male students.

He added that the food poisoning was believed to have been caused by undercooked fried chicken and a spoiled chocolate-flavoured drink, both of which were prepared in the canteen.

Feisul said one student was admitted to Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh and is in stable condition. Another 62 students received outpatient treatment at clinics. The rest experienced only mild symptoms and were resting at home.