Teen survives after punching crocodile's eye

TAWAU - A teenager's action of punching a crocodile in the eye successfully saved him from becoming the reptile's victim during an incident at the Jeti Tanah Merah river, Felda Umas 4 near here on Monday.

However, in the incident which occurred around 3pm, the 18-year-old victim sustained serious injuries and is now being treated at Tawau Hospital.

Tawau District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Jasmin Hussin, confirmed the incident after receiving a report from the victim's family.

He stated that the report was received from the victim's 14-year-old nephew at 7.26pm on the same day.

"According to the complainant, the victim was with him and another family member fishing in the river.

"Suddenly, the victim was attacked by a crocodile, but he managed to punch the crocodile in the eye before successfully freeing himself and climbing back onto the riverbank," he said on Tuesday.

Jasmin said that the victim sustained injuries to his body and legs from the crocodile's attack.

"The victim is still being treated in the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

"The case has also been referred to the Wildlife Department (JHL) for further action," he added.