Search continues for missing plantation worker after suspected croc attack in Kinabatangan

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 8): A search and rescue operation for a plantation worker believed to have been attacked by a crocodile in Kinabatangan entered its second day on Sunday, with the victim still missing.

The incident was reported on Saturday after the Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue Station (Bomba) received an emergency call from the police at 1.07pm regarding a missing man at Global Estate.

Bomba officials identified the victim as 48-year-old Stefanus Martin, who was reported missing after going fishing at a river and failing to return home.

Only his clothing and fishing net were found at the scene.

A joint search involving Bomba, police, Sabah Wildlife Department, plantation workers and members of the public was carried out along the riverbank and surrounding areas.

Despite extensive land and water searches, the victim has yet to be located.

Operations were suspended at 5pm and will resume on Monday.

In a separate incident, two non-permanent houses and a Proton vehicle were completely destroyed in a fire at Kampung Delima Darat, Pitas, on Sunday.

No injuries were reported.

Bomba received an emergency call at 1.39pm and arrived at the scene at 2.37pm, while the fire was brought under control at 2.45pm and the operation concluded at 4.03pm.