A 10-year-old boy from Penang, Malaysia, died on February 20, 2025, after choking on a gummy candy shaped like an eyeball. His aunt, Siti Farhani Mohamad Fikri, confirmed his death to Harian Metro, stating,
“Fahmi breathed his last at about 11 p.m. He died while receiving treatment at the Penang Hospital (HPP).”
The boy, identified as Mohamad Fahmi Hafiz Mohamad Fakhruddin, had been in critical condition at the hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) since the incident.
His body was expected to be taken to his grandmother’s home in Permatang Binjai, Penaga, with the funeral scheduled for the morning of February 21.
Collapsed During Religious Class After Choking on Candy
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 18, during Mohamad Fahmi’s Al-Quran and Fardhu ‘Ain (KAFA) class in Sungai Dua, Butterworth, according to Berita Harian.
Before class, Fahmi had purchased the gummy candy from a stall outside his school.
While preparing to go to the toilet, he appeared to choke on the candy. He collapsed along the way, prompting teachers to call an ambulance immediately.
During a video call with medical personnel, a teacher was instructed to check Fahmi’s mouth, where the gummy candy was discovered lodged in his throat. His family later found another piece of candy in his shirt pocket.
Family Asked Public for Prayers as Boy Fought for Life
Following the incident, Siti Farhani took to social media seeking prayers and support for her nephew.
Her post, which described Fahmi’s critical state, quickly gained attention, with many expressing sympathy and offering prayers for his recovery.
Later, doctors informed the family that Fahmi was not showing signs of improvement.
His aunt shared, “The doctor told us that if he does not respond by this Friday (February 21), all medications will be stopped. We’re surrendering this to Allah SWT and leaving the treatments to the hospital.”
Health Ministry Orders Halt on Gummy Candy Sales
In response to the incident, Malaysia’s Health Ministry directed e-commerce platforms, including Shopee and TikTok, to remove advertisements for the gummy candy, as reported by Kosmo!
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the ministry is collaborating with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to stop online sales of the product.
“Today, we instructed Shopee and TikTok to take down ads for the ‘gummy’ candy,” Dr. Dzulkefly said. “We’ve also directed district health offices nationwide to enforce measures at physical stores and seize any remaining products.”
The ministry noted that the candy did not comply with labeling requirements under the Food Regulations 1985 of the Food Act 1983.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Boy, 15, Faints and Dies After Witnessing a Fight Over Tissue Paper at Coffee Shop
Boy, 12, Saves 17-Year-Old Girl from Suicide Attempt in Chao Phraya River, Thailand
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
