Two separate buffalo attacks in Johor, Malaysia, on May 27 during Eid al-Adha preparations left one man dead and another hospitalized. The first 45-year-old victim was gored around 10 a.m., taken to Sultanah Aminah Hospital and later died from vascular injuries to his left leg. A second 45-year-old man was gored at about 2 p.m., suffering a fractured left rib cage and was hospitalized. Police do not treat the death as criminal and said both incidents are under review.
Man Killed and Another Injured in Two Separate Buffalo Attacks During Eid al-Adha in Johor
A buffalo in MalaysiaCredit: Getty
Two separate buffalo attacks left one man dead and another injured in Johor, Malaysia, on Wednesday, May 27, during preparations for the Muslim festival Eid al-Adha, authorities said.
Incident Details
The first attack occurred at about 10 a.m. local time in the Seri Alam district. Police said a 45-year-old man who was being restrained for a ritual sacrifice was gored by a buffalo. He was taken to Sultanah Aminah Hospital but died later that evening. The Seri Alam District Police Headquarters recorded the official cause of death as "injury to the blood vessels (vascular system) of the left leg" and said the death is not being treated as criminal.
Graphic footage shared by AsiaOne captured the animal running through a picnic area and hurling a man into the air before villagers rushed to help and the buffalo fled the scene.
People gather in Malaysia to perform Eid Al-Adha prayer on May 27, 2026Credit: Syaiful Redzuan/Anadolu via Getty
Second Attack
At approximately 2 p.m. the same day, a separate buffalo attack occurred in another part of Johor. That victim, also reported to be 45 years old, suffered a fractured left rib cage after being gored and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police provided details of both incidents in a translated media release.
Relatives' Account
Speaking to The Straits Times, the first victim's niece, who identified herself only as Mira, said family members were preparing the animal when it suddenly became agitated. "At the time of the incident, some family members were eating while others were washing dishes. The deceased and several others were trying to tie up the buffalo," she said. "The buffalo suddenly became agitated, turned around and gored him in the thigh, tearing his trousers up to the upper part."
Mira said her uncle managed to walk to a vehicle and crawl into the rear despite heavy bleeding, but he later succumbed to his injuries. Villagers were reported to be in shock; the man was described as the father of three.
Context
Eid al-Adha is one of Islam's holiest festivals and commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before God provided an animal to be offered instead. As part of the observance, many Muslims worldwide perform ritual livestock sacrifices—commonly sheep, goats, cows or buffaloes—and distribute meat to family members, neighbors and those in need.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the attacks and have not indicated any criminal intent. Reporting sources include the Seri Alam District Police Headquarters, AsiaOne and The Straits Times.
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