BEAUFORT: A 10-foot crocodile (pic) was captured from a river here, recently, and residents thanked the Wildlife Department. More reptiles are believed to be lurking in the waterway.
“Everyone needs to be careful, whether going out to sea or taking tourists along the river, to avoid crocodiles that are constantly on the hunt,” said boat operator Rafi Juhar.
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He noted that the river is a popular destination for tourists to watch proboscis monkeys and fireflies, raising concerns that visitors unfamiliar with the crocodile presence could be subjected to risks.
Rafi said fishermen and residents living near the riverbank also faced danger, and urged parents to keep children away from the river.
He attributed the growing crocodile population to an incident in the past where foreigners (Caucasians) allegedly released juvenile crocodiles into the river.
Meanwhile, in Kg Dopo Petagas, Village Chief Lamudin Jaafar confirmed a separate crocodile sighting after photographic evidence was submitted by residents.
The reptile was spotted around 5pm on Sunday, swimming actively in Sungai Petagas near a rubbish dump adjacent to Dewan Kg Baru Dopo.
“The reptile was seen swimming along the riverbank as though searching for prey,” Lamudin said.
He has since issued a public safety advisory prohibiting all activities along the riverbank until further notice, including fishing, casting nets, washing and boating.
Lamudin urged parents to ensure children do not play near the community hall, the rubbish dump or the riverbank without adult supervision.
Residents disposing of rubbish at the nearby dump are also advised to remain alert to their surroundings, stay away from the water’s edge and avoid discarding food waste that could attract the crocodile onto land.
“If you encounter the crocodile, do not attempt to approach, capture or throw objects at it. Retreat calmly and get yourself to safety,” he said.
Lamudin called on residents to share the warning with family members and neighbours, pointing out that the safety and wellbeing of the village community remained the collective priority.
The Village Management Committee said it would formally refer the matter to the Wildlife Department as a matter of urgency for monitoring and trapping operations.
