KOTA BELUD: A rice farmer was found stuck in waist-deep mud while applying weed killer in a rice field in Kampung Tempasuk on Friday (Oct 25).

The 75-year-old man had been submerged since the morning and villagers discovered him around 2:30pm, reported Sinar Harian.

Kota Belud Fire Station chief Muhammad Syazwan Latun said his team received a call about the incident at 3.28pm. Nine members were dispatched to the scene, which is 7km from the Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station.

According to reports, the victim became trapped in the mud while attempting to spray herbicide in an area where the mud was over one meter deep.

Villagers said that the farmer left his house at 7.30am and likely became stuck by 9.00am.

Upon arriving at the scene, rescuers worked quickly to help remove the victim, who appeared exhausted from his attempts to free himself. Villagers also assisted in the rescue efforts.

The man was successfully extricated from the mud and was handed over to his family.

The operation concluded at 3.57pm.