From 23 to 25 February 2025, the National Poison Centre (PRN) sent several staff members to represent Malaysia at the Middle East & North Africa Clinical Toxicology Association (MENATOX) 2025 Conference, held in Muscat, Oman. The participating delegates included Pharmacist Ms. Sulastri Samsudin, Pharmacist Mr. Mohd Fadhli Razali, and Research Officer Mr. Ahmad Shalihin Md Samin.
This scientific conference, organized annually by the MENATOX Association, brings together leading professionals, researchers, and educators in the field of clinical toxicology from across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, to exchange the latest research, innovative ideas, and best practices.
During the event, Ms. Sulastri Samsudin was invited to serve as a panel member representing Malaysia in a discussion forum on the challenges of developing a national poison centre, alongside representatives from poison centres in Kenya, Morocco, Turkey, and South Africa. She also presented a poster titled:
“Toxicovigilance in Action: Strengthening Poison Centre Collaboration to Address Emerging Poisoning Trends in Malaysia.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Mohd Fadhli Razali was selected to deliver an oral presentation on the topic:
“Regulatory Impact on Paraquat Poisoning Trends: A Descriptive Analysis of Pre- and Post-Ban Cases Received by Malaysia National Poison Centre (2016–2023).”
This delegation also had the opportunity to expand networking and collaborative efforts with various international poison centres. Notably, Mr. Ahmad Shalihin Md Samin, who led the delegation, initiated discussions with representatives from Croplife South Africa and Bayer on potential collaborations to establish the National Poison Centre (Malaysia) as a training hub for poison centres across the Southeast Asian region.
Additionally, the delegation visited the Oman Poison Control Centre on 26 February 2025 to gain insight into their operations. The visit was graciously hosted by Dr. Badria Alhatali, Director of the Oman Poison Centre and Chairperson of the MENATOX 2025 Organising Committee.
