KINABATANGAN: A foreigner was reportedly attacked by a crocodile while fishing in the Kinabatangan River near a plantation in Sukau, 55 KM from here on Sunday.
According to a report from the Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue Station, the incident occurred around 1pm on July 6. The victim, Mare Miri, 39, was said to be fishing with four friends when he was suddenly attacked by a crocodile.
A rescue team consisting of firefighters, police, the Wildlife Department, and local volunteers launched a search and rescue (SAR) operation on the same day. The SAR operation is being led by PBK I Mohd Nor Azmer Bin Mat Shor Nasir.
On the second day of the operation, the search was conducted within a three-kilometre radius upstream and downstream of the river. However, as of 3pm, the victim was yet to be found.
A spokesperson from the Sabah Wildlife Department reminded the public to exercise caution when engaging in activities near rivers, particularly in Kinabatangan, which is a natural habitat for saltwater crocodiles.
“We advise the public to avoid fishing or swimming in high-risk areas, especially during dusk and dawn when crocodiles are most active in hunting,” the spokesperson said. – James Leong
