MIRI: More than 50 security personnel were deployed when Hua Guang Buddhist Temple in Taman Tunku, Miri, distributed 1,200 packs of 10 kg rice in conjunction with a celebration held at the temple on 11 November.

A total of 1,100 bags of 10 kg rice were to be distributed free to the devotees, but the crowd swelled to 5,000!

Unable to control the large number of people, security personnel pleaded with the crowd not to push.

Two women fainted at the venue due to the massive crowd and hot weather.

Barricades were also set up to maintain order as the crowd started to queue from 4 a.m. while distribution was scheduled to start only seven hours later at 11 a.m.

The packs of rice were increased from 1,100 bags to 1,200 bags and the distribution ended in 40 minutes.

Another 200 packs of rice were added, but many still had to leave the temple empty-handed.