Customers and fellow vendors were shocked when a 71-year-old char kuey teow vendor in Penang vomited blood midway through preparing a meal.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon (30 January), when the man behind the popular “Barefoot Char Kuey Teow” stall suddenly threw up blood while serving customers. Despite his shirt being soaked in blood, the elderly vendor did not lose consciousness. Fortunately, another hawker at the food centre called an ambulance, and he was taken to hospital for treatment.
Had not rested for a week
According to a report by Sin Chew, the vendor, identified as Chen Mu Quan (transliteration), underwent heart surgery about two years ago. He reportedly felt unwell while cooking on Friday before vomiting blood.
Chen usually takes a break from work every Thursday, but he had slightly adjusted his schedule that week. He was supposed to take his day off on Saturday (31 January) as it was the eve of Thaipusam, and had not taken a break for an entire week.
Chen was taken to Penang General Hospital, where medical checks revealed that he had suffered a stomach haemorrhage, also known as upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. According to The American Family Physician, symptoms of GI bleeding include vomiting blood, abdominal pain, and dizziness.
It was also reported that Chen was later transferred to a private hospital in the state, where his medical records were kept. As of now, he is said to be in stable condition after receiving a blood transfusion.
Chen’s wife was present at the scene when he began feeling unwell.
