A man was injured after being attacked and bitten by a crocodile while searching for clams in Sungai Siungau near Kampung Lubok Weston on Thursday.
The 4pm incident left Hamdan Samad with bite injuries to his left leg and right hand. He was initially taken to the Weston Health Clinic before being referred to Beaufort District Hospital for further treatment.
Kampung Weston village chief Masri Latif said Hamdan and his friend, Ag Sabtu Omar, had just stepped out of their boat to look for clams when they encountered a crocodile believed to be about nine feet long.
The reptile suddenly lunged at Hamdan, who struggled with it as it attacked.
Ag Sabtu rushed to his friend’s aid and repeatedly struck the crocodile on the head, eventually forcing it to release Hamdan.
After managing to escape from the river, Hamdan discovered that he had sustained bite wounds to his hand and leg and was subsequently taken for medical attention.
Masri said crocodile sightings in the area had become increasingly common, with more than one reptile believed to be inhabiting the river.
He urged residents, particularly fishermen and anglers, to exercise extreme caution when carrying out activities near or in the river as the presence of crocodiles poses a serious danger.
Masri said he had also informed the Wildlife Department about the latest attack and was told that efforts would be made to trap the crocodile involved.
The incident has renewed concerns among residents who depend on the river for their daily activities, especially as crocodile encounters appear to be becoming more frequent.
A similar attack was reported several years ago involving a woman who was also searching for clams in the same river. She survived after her companion fought off the crocodile.
