PUTATAN: The presence of crocodiles near Sungai Terawi Kandazon close to St Catherine Laboure Church, here, has raised concern among residents.
Village Chief Voni Bernard Baas @ Bonnie Baas Bensing confirmed on Tuesday that at least two crocodiles were recently spotted in the river.
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He said Wildlife Department officers had been monitoring the area for some time and on Monday began operations from the riverbank near the church bridge along Sungai Terawi Kandazon.
The operation involved three officers who set up baited hooks near the houses of Ahing and Anderson in an effort to trap the reptiles.
“We hope the traps will successfully catch the crocodiles because their presence is causing concern among villagers,” he said.
The operation ended at 9.45pm, with residents advised to remain cautious and avoid river activities for the time being.
Voni said the crocodiles were estimated to be between seven and 13 feet long, with four to seven believed to be in the river.
He said a viral video shared by a resident to Info-X showed the reptiles surfacing and moving actively along the river, adding that such sightings were not new but were now more frequent.
Children were still seen swimming and playing along the riverbank despite warning signboards being installed, raising further safety concerns.
He added that crocodile sightings had also been reported in Sungai Petagas and Kampung Melabau near Rancangan Klias, where monitoring and control operations are still ongoing.
