A 45-year-old man has died and another has been injured after being gored by buffaloes during Eid al-Adha sacrificial rituals in the Malaysian state of Johor, police have confirmed.
Details of the Incidents
The first attack occurred at approximately 10am on Wednesday in Kampung Tenang, a village in Ulu Tiram, a suburb of Johor Bahru. A buffalo intended for sacrifice charged at a man, goring him severely. He was rushed to Hospital Sultanah Aminah but succumbed to his injuries that evening. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as vascular injuries to his left leg.
In a separate incident the same afternoon, another 45-year-old man suffered a fractured rib after being attacked by a buffalo in a nearby area. He is currently receiving treatment at Hospital Sultan Ismail.
Witness Accounts
Videos circulating on social media captured one of the animals breaking free from ropes held by several men before charging at a victim, knocking him to the ground. Footage of the first attack showed the victim briefly getting to his feet after being charged before later dying at the hospital.
The victim's niece, who wished to be identified only as Mira, told the New Straits Times that the family had gathered for a korban ceremony involving seven siblings, including the deceased. Some family members were eating while others were washing dishes when the attack occurred. 'The deceased and several others were trying to tie the buffalo. The buffalo suddenly became agitated and turned around before goring his thigh until his trousers were torn up to the upper part,' she said.
Police Response
Seri Alam police chief Mohd Sohaimi Ishak stated that the buffalo had suddenly turned aggressive in both cases. Both incidents have been classified as sudden deaths with no criminal elements. Information has been forwarded to the Johor Veterinary Services Department for further investigation. Police have advised the public against spreading unverified information about the incidents.
Eid al-Adha, known as Hari Raya Aidiladha in Malaysia, is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, and is observed with prayers and the ritual slaughter of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats.
