The three recent deaths from methanol poisoning in Perak recently were the first recorded this year, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said today.

Fatalities from methanol poisoning occur yearly, he clarified, with 40 deaths recorded last year.

“These cases happen from time to time because there is always demand for cheap liquor,” he told reporters at the Health Ministry monthly assembly.

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On the recent cases in Perak, Dzulkefly received 10 case notifications involving six Malaysians, including two Orang Asli, and four foreign nationals.

The poisonings occurred in Kinta (five cases), Perak Tengah (two), Kuala Kangsar (two) and Larut Matang and Selama (one).

- Bernama