MENUMBOK: A 50-year-old had his right leg severed up to the thigh after being attacked by a crocodile at a Kampung Lambidan beach, here, on Tuesday night.
Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Chairman Gaffar Ahmad @ Rahman said the incident happened at 10pm when the victim and three friends were diving for fish and crabs.
Fortunately, his friends managed to free him from the crocodile’s grip by striking the reptile’s head.
“The quick actions of the victim’s friends in hitting the crocodile’s head caused it to release him, but his leg had already been severed,” he said, adding the crocodile was said to be measuring 14 feet in length.
Gaffar said he contacted and requested the Wildlife Department to capture the crocodile due to safety concerns, especially fishermen and members of the public who visit the beach.
“We are worried about the presence of the crocodile, which poses a real safety threat to residents, particularly fishermen and those bathing at the beach,” he said.
Wildlife Department officers arrived after being informed and set baited hooks in areas where the crocodile is believed to frequent.
He also personally purchased large fishing hooks to assist in capturing the crocodile.
Gaffar advised residents, especially fishermen and the public, to be cautious when near the beach.
Recently, in Kampung Mempagar, three villagers managed to catch a crocodile in the Padas River. The crocodile later died and was found stranded along the riverbank.
They then transported the crocodile ashore.
