By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 19: Financial assistance for the family of the victim of a crocodile attack at Sungai Rayu, Jalan Selang, in Lundu, is pending finalisation by the Welfare Department.
Federal Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri confirmed this after joining today’s search and rescue (SAR) operation for a 79-year-old woman who is feared to have been attacked by crocodile while out searching for lokan (clams) on April 17.
“The SAR team will scour small riverways. Currently, due to low tide and shallow water, they are unable to enter until the water rises to search for any positive signs. All efforts are being exerted to locate the victim as soon as possible.
“I have also provided some aid to support the family during this difficult time,” she said in a recorded interview on-site today.
Nancy urged villagers living or working near rivers to remain extremely cautious of their surroundings as crocodiles may be lurking nearby to prevent such unfortunate incidents.
“I believe the villagers are aware of the presence of crocodiles in rivers, which are also a source of lokan (clams).
“Use your instinct because crocodiles may be lurking nearby. Villagers are most familiar with their local areas and, while they are accustomed to their presence and aware of the dangers, there may be times when these creatures become aggressive,” she added.
The SAR operation, involving multiple agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak, police, Civil Defence Force (APM), Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), and villagers, entered its second day today.
Yesterday (April 18), the Bomba’s K9 Unit deployed its cadaver dog, Bella, to aid in the operation.
As of today, the SAR teams have conducted surface searches along the river, covering a one-kilometre radius with a focus on small and narrow riverways. However, no positive signs have been found yet.
Bomba Petra Jaya Station chief Latif Iring, Lundu District traffic officer Inspector Benjamin Annau Kalom and Civil Defence Force junior officer Mohd Nor Juli were present. — DayakDaily
