TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA – A heartbreaking tragedy struck a family in Felda Neram 1 when a five-year-old boy choked to death on a rambutan seed while eating the fruit with his six-year-old sister on January 19.Kemaman police chief Superintendent Mohd Razi Rosli confirmed the incident occurred at 1:30 pm at the family’s home. The boy’s sister had peeled the rambutan before handing it to him, and they were enjoying it together when his voice suddenly turned hoarse, signaling the seed had lodged in his throat.
Despite being rushed to Kemaman Hospital for emergency treatment, the child was pronounced dead at 2:50 pm the same day. An autopsy conclusively determined the cause of death as choking, with medical staff recovering the rambutan seed from his airway, underscoring the dangers small fruit pits pose to young children.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for parents to supervise toddlers closely during meals involving seeded fruits like rambutan, a popular tropical treat in Malaysia.