M’sian Company Faced Backlash After Employee Almost Collapsed During 10-Minute Ice Bath Challenge

A company based in Kuching, Sarawak, came under fire after what was believed to be a corporate team-building activity sparked public concern and criticism across social media platforms.

The incident, which reportedly took place during a company retreat, involved employees taking part in an ice bath challenge lasting ten minutes, a duration many netizens have called dangerously excessive.

Employee Almost Collapsed After Completing Extreme Challenge

The viral uproar began when a video surfaced on Facebook showing one female employee enduring the challenge and nearly collapsing moments after completing it.

Despite clear signs of physical distress, the activity was carried out to completion, prompting a wave of criticism questioning the ethics, safety, and purpose of such extreme practices in a workplace setting.

Video Shows Employee Trembling and Turning Pale

In the video, employees can be seen submerged in a large tub filled with ice.

As the minutes pass, one employee visibly shivers, her lips turn purple, and her face grows pale.

Despite this, she continues to chant motivational lines.

However, the situation escalates quickly.

After completing the challenge, the woman appeared unable to stand afterward, and her body went limp. Fellow employees were seen lifting her from the tub and massaging her limbs to keep her steady.

Additionally, her legs had turned red from prolonged cold exposure. Fortunately, she was able to stand on her two feet again by the end of the video.

Netizens Slam Activity, Question “Cult-Like” Behavior

The video triggered widespread backlash online, with many expressing shock and disapproval over the extreme nature of the challenge. Some users went as far as to liken the company’s methods to those of a cult.

Netizens flooded the comment section of the post with remarks such as:

Stay away from cults, cherish life.

10 minutes? The lack of common sense is terrifying. Something bad is bound to happen… cult.

Why not switch to a furnace? Let’s see how long you last then.

I used to follow you guys… but after seeing this, I’d rather keep my distance.

These comments reflect the public’s concern about how far companies are pushing employees under the guise of “team-building.”

Company Responds: “We’re Not a Cult”

Following the backlash, the company’s founder issued a public response via Instagram, denying all claims that the company engages in cult-like practices.

She defended the ice bath challenge, stating it was conducted under the supervision of a medical professional and that it had been inspired by celebrities and athletes who partake in similar routines.

“We’re not a cult. We’re just a group of women who work hard for our dreams. You can laugh at us and criticise all you want, but we will keep working hard for our dreams,” the founder stated in the video.

She also questioned whether the backlash stemmed from their company status as a small and medium enterprise (SME).

Risks of Prolonged Ice Baths

Despite her defense, prolonged exposure to ice baths can pose significant health risks.

According to Health.com, one major danger is hypothermia, which can lead to organ failure if body temperature drops too low.

Ice burns from direct contact may also cause blisters, frostbite, or skin damage.
Those with heart or lung conditions face a higher risk, as cold immersion can trigger arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

Experts recommend consulting a doctor beforehand, especially for those with existing health issues or low cold tolerance.

Watch the video here: