BEAUFORT: Two fishermen had a tense encounter when a one-metre crocodile became entangled in their net while they were fishing at Sungai Weston on Saturday.
Mohd Nur Farezshah Ahmad told Daily Express on Sunday that he initially thought a large fish had been caught in his net.
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However, the situation quickly turned alarming when the net was suddenly pulled forcefully. Upon lifting it, they discovered a young crocodile trapped inside.
Although the crocodile measured only about one metre in length, Mohd said they had to exercise extreme caution while freeing it from the net.
“It was a tense moment. Despite being young, it (crocodile) was still very strong,” he said.
He added that he had to hold the crocodile firmly as it nearly bit him before releasing it back into the river.
While shocked by the incident, he is relieved that he and his fellow fisherman escaped unharmed, though their net was damaged beyond repair.
Beaufort Urban Development and Cooperative Committee Chairman Amin Abas said he was grateful both fishermen were safe, noting this was the first time a young fisherman had successfully caught a crocodile in the area.
Sungai Weston is well-known for crocodile sightings, prompting Weston community leaders to place warning signs at jetties to alert residents, particularly children who like to bathe in the river.
“This warning is also specifically for anglers coming from outside the village and district to be more careful when fishing in the river,” Amin said.
He said last year alone, two crocodiles were shot by the Wildlife Department. In another incident, a crocodile attempted to snatch a cat but failed, breaking its tooth after biting a wooden post at Kampung Laut.
Amin also said there have been reports of a crocodile damaging chicken coop posts at Kampung Hulu, urging residents to remain vigilant when near the river.
