SWAT responds to crocodile attack

KUCHING: Following a fatal crocodile attack on 15-year-old Mohammad Faqrul Zaimi, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has deployed its Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) to mitigate the threat from crocodiles in the Samariang River area from December 26 to January 6.

“The operation includes efforts to capture the crocodile responsible for the recent attacks,” the SFC said in a Facebook post.

Residents nearby have been advised to stay vigilant and minimise river-side activities during the operation.

The backdrop to this initiative is the heartrending incident on December 23, where Faqrul was attacked while fishing in the Samariang Aman river with friends. When their net became entangled, Faqrul, leading the group, was ambushed and taken by a crocodile.

Tragically, his body was found the next day with severe injuries, including missing limbs and a broken neck. A spokesperson for the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) said firemen from Petra Jaya station found the body around 11 am, two kilometres from the attack site.

This incident is the third of its kind in Sarawak this year.

SWAT carries out the operation, particularly to hunt the crocodile that killed a 15-year-old boy. (Photo: SFC’s Facebook page)