A man has died and another was injured after being gored by buffaloes during Eid al-Adha sacrificial rituals in the Malaysian state of Johor, police said.
The first incident occurred at around 10am on Wednesday when a 45-year-old man was gored by a buffalo intended for sacrifice and rushed to Hospital Sultanah Aminah, where he died that evening. A post-mortem found the cause of death was vascular injuries to his left leg.
Eid al-Adha, also known as Hari Raya Aidiladha in Malaysia, is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. It marks the willingness of Ibrahim 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.
The first incident in Malaysia took place in Kampung Tenang, a village in Ulu Tiram, a suburb of Johor Bahru.
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 receiving treatment at Hospital Sultan Ismail.
A Muslim man pats a sacrificial animal before it is slaughtered, during a ritual of Eid al-Adha celebrations, in Ampang, Malaysia (Reuters)
Seri Alam police chief Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the buffalo had suddenly turned aggressive in both cases.
Videos circulating on social media showed one of the animals breaking free from ropes held by several men before charging at a man, sending him to the ground.
Muslims perform Eid al-Adha mass prayers at a mosque in Ampang, Malaysia (Reuters)
Footage of the first attack showed the victim briefly getting to his feet after being charged before later succumbing to his injuries at hospital.
His niece, who wished to be known only as Mira, told the New Strait Times the family had gathered for a korban ceremony involving seven siblings, including the victim. Some were eating and others washing dishes when the attack happened.
Rohingya muslims perform morning prayer marking Eid al-Adha outside a mosque in Klang, outskirt of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (AP)
“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 told the outlet.
Both incidents have been classified as sudden deaths with no criminal elements. Information has been forwarded to the Johor Veterinary Services Department. Police advised the public against spreading unverified information about the incidents.