KUNAK: An adult crocodile measuring 12 feet long and about two feet wide was shot dead in the waters off Kg Pangi near Pantai Sarina early Wednesday morning.
Kunak District Officer and Chairman of the Security Committee Majaran Osman, when contacted, said the operation involved the cooperation of the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL), Civil Defence Force (APM) and police.
He reiterated his advice for members of the public, particularly those living in coastal areas and those who enjoy marine activities such as fishing, to take necessary safety precautions to avoid attacks by the reptiles.
Kunak’s coastal waters have continued to record sightings of crocodiles. Previously, members of the public had reported seeing crocodiles at several locations around Kunak, including Kg Pangkalan, Kg Buang Sayang, Kg Kunak Jaya Laut, Kg Pangi and the Madai waters.
Last month, a video showing an adult crocodile on the seabed near the shoreline close to the Darvel Lagoon recreational centre in Kg Hampilan, Pangi waters, Kunak, went viral.
In KOTA KINABALU, several crocodiles have been spotted basking along the banks of the Kg Muhibbah Petagas River, raising concerns over the safety of residents in the area.
A religious leader of Masjid Kg Muhibbah, Arifin @ Lutfin Massai said the presence of several crocodiles posed a potential threat to villagers, particularly those who frequently use the river.
He urged residents to exercise greater caution when boarding boats to travel to the sea, as well as those who fish in the river and parents with young children.
“Several crocodiles have been spotted here and I hope residents will be more careful, especially when going down to the boats to travel to the sea, as well as anglers and children.
“I have contacted the Sabah Wildlife Department to take action against the crocodiles to ease the concerns of residents and members of the public who use the river,” he said.
Arifin said residents are particularly worried as some children often played near the river, raising fears that they could be attacked by the crocodiles.
“Parents are also urged to remind their children not to play or swim near the river to prevent any untoward incident,” he said.
Arifin said the Wildlife Department had responded to his complaint and would deploy personnel to install traps to capture the reptiles and ease public concern.
He advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid activities near the river to minimise the risk of any unwanted incident.
He agreed that the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), together with the village chief, should consider putting up warning signs along the river to alert residents and encourage them to exercise greater caution.
