GEORGE TOWN: The two Nepalese men, warded at the Penang Hospital here after drinking instant coffee, are expected to be discharged within the next few days.
Speaking to newsmen when met at the Penang Hospital here today, Sapkota Mangal Prasad, 45, and Bishnu Shrestna, 41, both security guards, appeared to be in high spirits.
Unlike when they were first warded on Tuesday, both were now able to communicate well.
Recounting the incident, Sapkota said the instant coffee mixture was given to him by a colleague.
He said he just taken a few sips when he suddenly felt extreme heat and headache.
"This is the first time Bishnu and I tried the coffee and did not expect such negative effects.
"I drank the coffee about 9.30am when I was having my breakfast. Soon after I had severe headache. I felt my head spinning," said Sapkota, who has been staying here for the last 14 years.
Earlier, they received a visit from the Honorary Consul of Nepal in Malaysia, Datuk Huan Cheng Guan.
Huan said he was still awaiting a report on the analysis of the instant coffee mixture from the state Health Department.
"I hope the matter will be thoroughly probed so that no one else will fall victim again," he said.
It was reported that the state Health Department had taken samples for analysis of the instant coffee mixture blamed for causing some of its consumers to be admitted to hospital after they complained of severe fatigue.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam had said that he expected the results to be out soon and an announcement would be made on the matter.
Meanwhile, state Health Department director Dr Wan Mansor Hamzah had said five patients, all men. had showed similar symptoms of lethargy after drinking the coffee, and three had since been discharged after their condition improved.