The Election Commission has apologised for a food poisoning incident at a polytechnic in Penang.

"The EC regrets apologises and sympathises with the students of Balik Pulai Polytechnic in Penang," EC chief Azhar Azizan Harun said in a statement today.

Azhar said that the commission, through its Akademi Pilihan Raya, had organised a voter education programme for 207 students yesterday on the electoral process.

"The EC appointed a local food supplier to provide lunch for the students, teachers and EC officials during the programme.

"Based on information from the Balik Pulau Hospital, 85 students were confirmed to have experienced food poisoning, 84 of whom received outpatient treatment, while one was admitted for further treatment.

"Following this incident, the EC was informed that the Penang Health Department has commenced an investigation to determine the cause of the incident," he said.

Azhar advised any other student and teacher who felt unwell to seek medical attention.

He also thanked all quarters who helped deal with the incident.

Yesterday, it was reported that several students from the Balik Pulau Polytechnic were rushed to the hospital after suffering abdominal pains.

They had eaten at a buffet served at a voter education programme sponsored by the EC.