BEAUFORT: Residents of Kampung Laut Weston are urging the Sabah Wildlife Department to capture several crocodiles spotted near homes in the village over safety concerns.
Sipitang District crocodile eradication committee member Awang Arshad said the reptiles had become a threat to villagers, particularly fishermen and children.
He claimed between five and six crocodiles, estimated to be about 15 feet long, had been seen in the village area, including beneath houses built over the water.
“The pictures taken were unclear because it was dark, but one of the villagers managed to photograph the crocodiles,” he said when contacted by Daily Express on Monday.
Awang said about 50 per cent of Weston residents depend on fishing for their livelihood, making the situation a concern for those going out to sea to catch fish and prawns.
“We are also worried because many children like to swim near their homes and there are fears they could be attacked by crocodiles,” he said.
A resident, Nur Fadilah Ahmad, claimed up to five crocodiles surfaced beneath her house, causing concern for the safety of her family, including her two young children.
“The crocodiles suddenly appeared beneath the house and were moving in groups, so I became worried about the danger and installed barriers to prevent my children from falling,” she said.
The situation is also worrying as children are still seen jumping from the main jetty to swim despite warning signs about crocodiles being placed in the area.
Several months ago, a villager identified as Mohd Nur Farezshah reportedly caught a baby crocodile in his fishing net before releasing it back into the river.
The Wildlife Department had previously shot two crocodiles measuring about 10 feet long in Weston several months ago, but residents fear more reptiles remain in the river.
