Another crocodile attack in Lahad Datu as man killed retrieving fishing net

LAHAD DATU – Another fatal crocodile attack has occurred in Lahad Datu, just a day after a 12-year-old boy was killed in a separate incident.

This time, a 20-year-old man lost his life after being attacked while retrieving a fishing net he had set in the sea at Kampung Mundas, Tungku.

Lahad Datu Deputy Police Chief Superintendent Jimmy Panyau said preliminary investigations found that the victim had gone out to sea at about 7am on Tuesday to collect bait from a fishing net he had set the previous day.

"The victim went out to collect bait from a fishing net that he had set on Monday.

"However, a crocodile is believed to have suddenly appeared and attacked the victim on the abdomen and left side of the chest before he disappeared beneath the water," he said in a statement.

The victim's family members and villagers immediately launched a search operation after the attack.

His body was later found floating near the village's coastal waters at about 10am, bearing bite wounds consistent with a crocodile attack.

"The victim was later found floating and was already dead in the coastal waters near the village. With the discovery of the body, the case has been classified as a sudden death.

"Members of the public are also advised to remain vigilant when carrying out activities in sea or river areas to avoid any untoward incidents," he said.