LAHAD DATU - An estate worker went missing and is suspected to have been attacked by a crocodile while installing a net at Sungai Silabukan here yesterday.
The victim, Salim Sakka, 50, was noticed missing by his son when he was not found in the river area.
The son then reported the incident to the police.
Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Department Chief Sumsoa Rashid said they received a call concerning the incident from the police at 9.45am today.
He said eight team members rushed to the scene, which is located 26 kilometres from the Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Department.
According to a witness, the victim's son-in-law went to the river to install a net, but he was not found at the location.
The victim is suspected to have been attacked by a crocodile in the river.
Search efforts were unsuccessful before seeking help from the police and the fire brigade.
Sumsoa said an immediate search and rescue (SAR) operation was carried out using a surface search method.
The search operation covered an area of two kilometres from the missing person's location, but the victim has not been found yet.
The operation was suspended at 6pm and will resume tomorrow.