Malaysia: Klang Marathon runner left fighting for her life after being hit by a car

Veteran runner Evelyn Ang, 44, suffered several injuries and is currently fighting for her life after being hit by a car on Sunday morning during the Klang City International Marathon.

Ang, who was one of the pacers for the Marathon, suffered from a broken skull and bleeding in the brain. She successfully underwent a high-risk surgery and is under close medical observation.

Two other runners, Amiruddin Hamid, 37 and Ahmad Hadafi Jus, 42, were also wounded, though, none as critical as Ang.

It’s been reported that, after urine and breathalyzer tests, the 27-year-old car driver was found not to be under the influence of any substances.

Unauthorized marathon

According to the Youth and Sports Ministry of Malaysia, the organizers of the Klang City International Marathon, did not apply for a license to hold the race.

A license is required in order to ensure the financial and technical ability of the organizers and that local and international rules are followed.

Sports Commissioner Datuk Zaiton said: “We regret this deeply because the organization of any events should get the approval of the Sports Commissioner as stated in the Sports Development Act 1997, as well as approvals from the relevant bodies of that sport, police and local councils.”

'I would like to remind everyone who wants to organize any sports event to apply and get our approval. The organizers should also adhere to the decision made on the application. This is to make sure that the organizer of the event follows all the rules for the safety of everyone,' added Zaiton.

The organizers, Earth Runners International Group (ERevent), said that the relevant applications were sent in May.

However, Zaiton said these applications were disapproved in order to conduct further security checks.

According to Donny Teh, an ERevent staff member interviewed by the Malay Online, there were 65 police officers, 35 road marshals and five ambulances at the event.

“The paramedics at the scene attended to the three injured runners almost immediately. The victims were rushed to hospital using the ambulance that was on standby,” said Teh.

Prosecution against organisers

Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he has advised the Malaysia Sports Commissioner Office to lodge a police report and to blacklist the organizers.

“We want to prosecute them in court and the police to conduct investigations against the company as it is clearly shown they have organized an illegal sporting event,” Khairy is quoted as saying by the Malay Online.

The punishment for organizing an event without the required licenses is a fine of not more than RM5,000 and imprisonment not more than six months, however, Khairy said that the Sports Development Act will be reviewed in order to impose a heavier fine and to extend the imprisonment time.