Minister visits control post of SAR set up to find Sg Rayu croc-attack victim
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri yesterday visited the control post, set up to facilitate an ongoing search-and-rescue (SAR) operation for a victim of a crocodile a ack.
During the visit, she also handed over assistance to the victim’s family.
“I was told that the search will be conducted along the river’s channel where the crocodile might be nesting,” Nancy told reporters when met yesterday.
On April 17, the victim – 76year-old Minu Khien – could have been snatched by a crocodile in Sungai Rayu, Lundu while searching for ‘lokan’ (clams) with her daughter at around 8am.
Nancy added that there were numerous theories regarding the crocodile’s potential movements with the victim, and in this regard, the SAR team would do their best in locating any signs of the victim.
She said she had visited the site where the elderly woman had been a acked, where traces of blood and her basket could be seen along the riverbank.
“At this juncture, we can only pray for her to be found,” she said.
Nancy said once the victim had been found, the state Welfare Department would provide assistance to the family to alleviate their burden.
On another note, Nancy also advised the folks living along the river or those depending on the river for their livelihood to always be cautious and to trust their instincts.
She also reminded them to constantly remind each other about the importance of river safety.
The SAR entered its second day yesterday, and would resume early today.
Joining in the search are police, the personnel from the Civil Defence Force, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, People’s Volunteer Corp and Lundu District Office, as well as local villagers.