PANTU: The authorities have called off the search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate a local man who was attacked by a crocodile in Kampung Bangkong Asal on May 12.
The victim, identified as 32-year-old Lawrence Adi Raynold, was fishing with three friends along the banks of Sg Semeruang, Bangkong, around 5 pm when the attack occurred.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said that the decision to end the week-long operation was made at 4.30 pm following discussions with the police and the victim’s family. The search was officially closed at 5 pm but will resume if new leads surface.
On May 19, at around 9.10 am, the rescue team paused the search to allow a miring ceremony to be held according to Iban traditional beliefs.
Following the ceremony, the team conducted a water surface search along Sungai Strap, covering a 2 km radius around the Sungai Semeruang estuary.
Despite the efforts, Lawrence remains unaccounted for.
The operation involved firemen from the Sri Aman station, the Sarawak Bomba K9 Unit, the police, and the Civil Defence Force (APM).
