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A SEARCH and rescue operation is ongoing in Kinabatangan after a man was reportedly killed in a crocodile attack witnessed by his father in a riverside village on Wednesday evening.
The victim, identified as Mohd Rayyan Abdullah, 28, had been fishing for prawns with his father in the river near Kampung Segaliud when the incident occurred.
According to local fire and rescue authorities, the victim was suddenly attacked and dragged underwater by the reptile in full view of his father.
Hairi Otuh, chief of the Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue Station, said emergency services received a distress call at 8.22pm.
Firefighters travelled approximately 30 kilometres to the remote village, arriving at about 9.10pm before launching a search operation along the river.
"According to the victim’s father, who was at the scene, he saw his son being attacked and devoured by a crocodile right before his eyes.
"The search and rescue operation is still ongoing, involving four personnel. So far, the victim has not been found," he said when contacted.
Authorities said the search is continuing, with efforts focused on locating the victim along the river stretch where the attack took place. - March 18, 2026
