NIAH — The body of a plantation worker who was attacked by a crocodile at Tanjung Payung Farm, Suai, Niah, has been discovered this evening — bringing a tragic end to an intense search operation that began earlier today.
The victim, identified as Muhlis Tentra, 47, from Makassar, Indonesia, was found around 4.40pm, approximately 500 metres from the location where he was last seen being dragged into the river by the reptile.
According to Batu Niah PBT II Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) Chief Rary Binjie, the victim’s body was recovered in an incomplete condition and confirmed dead at the scene.
“The body was handed over to the police for further investigation,” he said when contacted around 6pm.
He explained that the incident occurred at about 10am when the victim, along with several co-workers, was carrying out grass poisoning activities on the plantation.
“The victim was collecting river water to fill a poison sprayer. After scooping up the water, he tried to return to shore but was suddenly attacked from behind by a crocodile.
“One of his colleagues, who was on the riverbank, witnessed the horrifying moment when the crocodile dragged the victim underwater,” he said.
The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation began after BBP Batu Niah received an emergency call at 11.34am. A total of six firefighters were deployed to the area. However, the team faced communication difficulties due to poor mobile coverage in the remote location, which is 44 kilometres from the Batu Niah fire station.
The operation officially ended at 5.20pm after the victim’s remains were recovered and sent to the authorities for post-mortem procedures.
Also present at the scene were members of the police force, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), and the victim’s co-workers, who assisted with the search efforts.
This latest incident adds to the growing concern over crocodile attacks in Sarawak’s riverine areas, particularly in regions with active plantations and human-river interactions.
