TAWAU: Long-standing concern among villagers over the presence of a large estuarine crocodile in Sungai Merotai ended after the reptile was found dead on Wednesday.
The male crocodile, measuring 15.8 feet, was discovered stranded near a residential area at Kampung Pangkalan Asli Merotai Besar at about 7.30am.
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Village head Mohamad Fakir said the carcass was spotted by villagers, who then alerted the Tawau Wildlife Department (JHL) for follow-up action.
He said the crocodile had been tracked for some time as its frequent appearances raised safety concerns among residents living along the river.
According to him, the reptile had earlier taken fishing bait set on Monday but later hid beneath logs and debris along the river.
Mohamad said JHL enforcement officers who arrived the following day fired a shot that hit the target, but the crocodile managed to escape again.
The crocodile’s carcass was only found after the river water level receded and was subsequently hauled ashore.
The operation involved six JHL enforcement officers assisted by 11 villagers, most of whom were anglers.
Mohamad said all further handling and disposal of the reptile were handed over to JHL.
He emphasised that another male estuarine crocodile measuring 18.4 feet had been successfully captured in the same river last year.
Mohamad said crocodiles were often sighted near the village by fishermen and anglers, especially during daily activities and public gatherings.
He advised residents to remain cautious when using the river, noting that other crocodiles were still believed to be present in the area.
