An 18-year-old camp worker has become the latest victim of crocodile attacks in eastern Malaysia, the third crocodile attack in Sarawak state this month, the local press reported Friday.

Abdul Hamid Othman, who was a member of a nine-man work group repairing a locomotive line in a remote area in the state, was reportedly snatched by a 5.5-meter-long crocodile.

"It took us by surprise. Out of nowhere the crocodile leapt out of the water and snatched Abdul Hamid who was standing by the water's edge," his colleague Isa Mahadi was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying.

The incident took place Wednesday morning but the search for the missing man did not begin till early Thursday morning.

Local police officer Mat Jusoh said police were only notified Wednesday evening, and that the team had to travel several hours upriver to the village.

Source: Xinhua