SANDAKAN: A 500kg, 13-foot saltwater crocodile was captured off the coast of Pulau Lubukan on Friday, easing fears among villagers who had raised concerns over their safety.
The Sandakan Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) said it received a public report at about 9am after the reptile was spotted near the shoreline, posing a potential risk to the community.
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Sandakan APM officer Sulaiman Salama said villagers managed to catch the crocodile before authorities arrived, preventing the situation from escalating.
The animal was brought ashore using a Marine Police boat as an initial safety measure, before APM, the Wildlife Department and Marine Police carried out coordinated follow-up handling at the site.
The operation was completed without incident, and the crocodile was handed over to the Wildlife Department for further action and monitoring in accordance with established procedures.
