Malaysian tourist hurt in Taiwan quake succumbs to his injuries

In this photo released by Taroko National Park, an injured Malaysian tourist, in red, is assisted by rescue workers at the Taroko National Park in Hualien in eastern Taiwan Thursday, April 18, 2019. A strong earthquake rattled eastern Taiwan early Thursday afternoon, causing scattered light damage in the capital and the eastern coast region. (Taroko National Park via AP)

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): Choo Yip Chean, the Malaysian tourist injured in an earthquake at the Taroko Gorge National Park in Taiwan on April 18, succumbed to his injuries late Saturday night (April 27), says Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah. 

In a statement Sunday (April 28), he said he had spoken to a family member of the late Choo to personally convey his deepest sympathies and condolences at the loss.

"The Foreign Affairs Ministry, through the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre in Taipei, is now assisting the late Choo's family to undertake the necessary procedures," Saifuddin said. 

He said the Foreign Ministry would like to seek the understanding of the media and the public to respect the feelings of the family members during this difficult period.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time," Saifuddin added. 

It was reported that Choo was hiking the Lushui Trail at the Taroko National Park in Hualien when the county was shaken by a strong earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.1. - Bernama