KOTA KINABALU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A man was attacked by an 800kg crocodile named Bujang Lapok when he tried to pet the reptile after feeding it at the Sandakan Crocodile Farm on Monday (Feb 20).

It is learnt that the 35-year-old part-time bird carer at the farm was feeding the 60-year-old crocodile a chicken at about 1.45pm.

After he fed the 5.5.m long crocodile, the man starting rubbing it on its snout but the reptile unfortunately turned on him.

A fellow employee who saw the incident ran to his aid and managed to force the crocodile to let go of the man.

Sandakan police chief ACP Mohd Azhar Hamin said the victim lost his right leg and his right arm was mangled due to the attack.

"He has been sent to the Sandakan district hospital for treatment," he said in a statement.