TATAU: A search and rescue (SAR) operation continues for a 6-year-old girl who was attacked by a crocodile while bathing in a river at Kampung Seberang Pasar Lama Tatau.
The incident occurred on the evening of Sept 18, when the victim, identified as Cicilia Julan Intik, was bathing with her family in the Annap River.
Her grandfather witnessed the attack at approximately 6.30 pm.
The Tatau Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) was alerted to the incident at 7.21 pm on the same day which prompted a search team to be dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving at the scene, the team confirmed that Cicilia had been taken by the crocodile, prompting immediate SAR efforts.
The search operation enters its third day today, with five Tatau firefighters dispatched to the location at 8.03 am.
The multi-agency SAR effort includes the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Civil Defence Force (APAM), and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) from Bintulu are working in coordination to scour the Annap River for signs of the young victim.
Firefighters said briefings for all involved agencies have been conducted, and search efforts will intensify along the riverbanks and surrounding areas.
The team has deployed one Hilux vehicle and an aluminium boat to aid in the search. The community in Tatau has also been urged to remain cautious around water sources, particularly in crocodile-prone areas, and to report any sightings immediately to local authorities.
