Malaysia stampede: Two elderly women die in crush at free food giveaway in Kuala Lumpur
Almost 1,000 people descended on indoor market in Kuala Lumpur for buffet meal vouchers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two elderly women have died during a stampede for free food coupons in Malaysia.
According to local reports, the women collapsed after more than 1,000 people arrived at an indoor market in Kuala Lumpur hoping to win one of 200 vouchers for a buffet meal.
Law Ion Nang, 78, and Ah Poh, 85, are believed to have suffered difficulty breathing while waiting at an event in the Pudu district of the Malaysian capital.
Attempts by paramedics to resuscitate the women failed and they died at the scene, police said.
A security guard told news outlet The Star that although only four people were allowed to go into the office at a time to register for the coupons, customers refused to comply and the scene descended into chaos.
"Those who were queuing ignored the directive and they began pushing each other,“ he said.
A management official at the complex said a total of four people collapsed during the rush to get the vouchers.
Officials have now launched an investigation.
Shaharuddin Abdullah, police chief assistant commissioner, said the bodies of both victims were found on the floor.
”We will investigate the cause of death and also whether the organisers had put in place sufficient safety measures,“ he told AFP.
The coupons were being given out to pensioners to mark Chinese New Year, which starts on 2 February.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments