A man who was believed to have been attacked by a crocodile while washing a boat at Kampung Batu Putih, Kinabatangan, was found dead early this morning.
The victim, identified as 57-year-old Rusli Mardin, was discovered about 500 metres downstream from the location where he was reported missing after the crocodile attack at around 4.45am.
Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue Station Chief Suriyadi Darwis said the victim was found by villagers, who later informed the fire and rescue team about the discovery.
“Upon discovery, the victim’s body was still intact, but there were bite marks on the abdomen and the right side of the neck,” he said.
Firefighters later assisted in bringing the victim from the riverbank back to his house before handing the body over to police for further action.
The incident occurred at about 6.30pm yesterday when Rusli was believed to have been attacked by a crocodile while cleaning his boat at the river. The incident was witnessed by his son.
Suriyadi said the operation was called off at 8am today after authorities ensured there were no further safety risks at the location.
The case has been handed over to police for further investigation.
