MIRI: A plantation worker was killed after a crocodile lunged from a riverbank and dragged him underwater in front of his co-workers at Ladang Tanjung Payung, Suai Niah, today.
The victim, identified as 47-year-old Indonesian national, Muhlis Tentra, had been collecting water with two colleagues when the crocodile struck.
One witness said Muhlis managed to raise his hand and call for help, but he was pulled under almost instantly. He did not resurface.
The Fire and Rescue Department received the call at 11:34 am, and a team from Batu Niah arrived at 12:19 pm and launched a search along a 700-metre stretch of the river using surface scanning and grappling equipment.
His body was found at 4:40 pm, about 500 metres downstream. He was confirmed dead, with his remains incomplete, consistent with a crocodile attack.
Batu Niah Fire Station Chief, PBT II Rary Binjie, led the operation, working alongside the police and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s personnel.
The operation concluded at 5:20 pm, and the victim’s remains have been handed over to the authorities for further action.
