Man missing after crocodile attack while fishing

KOTA BELUD - A man who went fishing has gone missing after being attacked by a crocodile at the Mantanani jetty here yesterday.

In the incident at around 10.30pm, Yusri Dulpi, 20, was fishing with his friend at the jetty before being attacked by the reptile.

Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Department chief Muhammad Syazwan Latun said they received a distress call at 11.26pm.

He said a team of firefighters immediately rushed to the location which was located about 25 kilometres away from the Kota Belud fire station.

"According to a witness who is also the victim's friend, they were fishing at the jetty at night when the victim was suddenly attacked by a crocodile.

"After receiving information about the victim, firemen carried out a search and rescue (SAR) operation at the jetty area.

"However, the victim has not been found," he said when contacted by Sinar Harian, today.

He added that the SAR operation was resumed on the second day at 6.58am with the involvement of other rescue agencies.

"The SAR operation, now in its second day, began with a one-kilometre search radius, scouring the riverbanks using boats.

"Updates will be given from time to time," he said.

Earlier, among the agencies involved in the SAR operation were the police, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and Wildlife Department.