For many, Chinese New Year (CNY) means visiting relatives and indulging in our favourite snacks and goodies, like love letters and pineapple tarts.
This was the case for this Malaysian man, who returned to his hometown to celebrate CNY with his family.
Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a joyous reunion turned into a tragedy when he choked while eating a piece of the gelatinous pastry, and died on the way to the hospital.
According to Sin Chew Daily, the incident happened around 9am on Sunday (29 Jan).
The man, 64-year-old Ji Rimei (name transliterated from Chinese), reportedly choked on a piece of ang ku kueh in his home.
Source: China Press
Subsequently, his son and daughter-in-law rushed him to a government clinic that was only two minutes from his home.
However, when they reached the clinic, they discovered that it was closed.
Thus, his family members had no choice but to send him to a private hospital that was over 10km away.
Unfortunately, he passed away while on the way to the hospital.
Ji’s family only found out later that there was an emergency bell at the government clinic that would’ve alerted medical staff.
His son was despondent and guilty that he missed the bell, which might have saved his father.
However, relatives and friends understand that they were likely too panicked to notice such details that are normally easily visible.
Sin Chew Daily reports that Ji lived in Sungai Sumun in Perak but later moved to Penang with his children.
Recently, he decided to return to his hometown to celebrate CNY with his family.
Following his death, police transferred his body to the hospital for an autopsy, where it was confirmed that he had choked to death.
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Featured image adapted from China Press & Johor Kaki, for illustration purposes only.
The authorities have investigated and closed the incident with no follow-ups required, MFA said.
He crossed the border daily in hopes of buying a house for his family.
On a few days, the thundery showers might extend into the night.
His church has urged parishioners to refrain from visiting him as he heals.
The kitten will be put up for adoption after its injuries are cured.
The toasts were barely a few centimetres thick.