Sabah clam hunter survives crocodile attack after friend beats nine-foot reptile on the head

BEAUFORT, Aug 29 — A man was injured after being attacked and bitten by a crocodile while searching for clams in Sungai Siungau, near Kampung Lubok Weston, Thursday.

Hamdan Samad suffered injuries to his left leg and right hand in the 4pm incident. Kampung Weston Village Chief Masri Latif, when contacted by the Daily Express yesterday, said the victim was taken to hospital for treatment.

He said Hamdan and his friend, Ag Sabtu Omar, had just got out of their boat to search for clams when they encountered a crocodile estimated to be about nine feet long. 

“The crocodile suddenly attacked him and he struggled with the reptile,” Masri said. 

Fortunately, Ag Sabtu came to Hamdan’s aid and managed to free him by hitting the crocodile on the head until it released its grip.

After escaping, Hamdan realised he had suffered bite injuries to his hand and leg. He left the river and was taken to the Weston Health Clinic before being referred to Beaufort District Hospital.

Masri urged residents, especially fishermen and anglers, to be extra cautious when carrying out activities along the river, saying crocodile sightings in the area were becoming increasingly common.

He said there was more than one crocodile in the river and called for action to address the threat posed by the reptiles.

Masri said he had contacted the Wildlife Department about the incident and was informed that efforts would be made to trap the crocodile.

A similar incident involving a woman searching for clams in the river was reported several years ago. The woman survived after her companion fought off the crocodile. — Daily Express