SERIAN, MALAYSIA - A 52-year-old villager survived a rare crocodile attack at Kampung Tanah Putih, Batang Sadong, near here yesterday. Sertang Oppas was rowing his boat just before dawn when a crocodile, said to be a metre long, lunged at him.

The crocodile failed to get hold of him but bit Sertang's shoulder and buttocks.

Villagers, who were already up and about, rushed to his aid. Despite his injuries, Sertang drove to the Serian district police headquarters to report the incident before seeking treatment at hospital.

Serian district police chief Assistant Commissioner Jamali Umi said the attack was the first in the village.

--NST