An aerial view of the operation by APM and Teluk Bahang villagers to catch the large saltwater crocodile spotted near a tourist beach in Penang last week.
NO ONE can be seen at the beach in Teluk Bahang, Penang, where a saltwater crocodile was spotted and later caught by the Civil Defence Force (APM).
The sudden appearance of the apex predator far from its habitat had sparked concern among visitors.
Kayaker Adam Lee said he was hesitant to return to the waters once considered safe, after several crocodile sightings in recent months.
“We used to paddle here and at other shoreline beaches in Penang without worry, but now there’s always that fear in the back of our minds.”
Prof Shahrul Anuar: Remain calm and do not provoke the reptile.He said the beach was a popular spot for local and international tourists, so something should be done.
The adult male crocodile weighing about 100kg had been relocated to the Paya Indah Wetlands in Dengkil, Selangor.
Based on Google Earth Pro’s terrain measurement tool, the 4m-long crocodile was lurking about 18km from a 600ha coastal mangrove forest near the Sungai Muda estuary.
Saltwater crocodiles are known to roam much further in open seas.
Prof Dr Shahrul Anuar Mohd Sah, a Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) lecturer in Wildlife Ecology, said the incident could be described as rare but possible.
“Local residents and media reports said this was the first recorded case of a crocodile seen at the beach.
“But scientific evidence confirms that estuarine crocodiles are capable of long-distance travel and may occasionally enter new areas.
“This should be addressed with appropriate monitoring and precautionary measures,” he added.
To ensure public safety, Prof Shahrul said authorities should conduct regular patrols to enable swift action such as issuing warnings or restricting water activities.
“Maintaining healthy mangrove areas and river estuaries as natural habitats while strengthening ongoing initiatives under the Penang Green Agenda 2030 are vital to keep crocodiles within suitable ecosystems,” he noted.
He further said that strategically placed warning signs at popular beaches and the temporary closure of swimming areas could further reduce risks to people.
He urged the public, fishermen and tourism operators to report crocodile encounters immediately via the 999 emergency line or the hotlines of APM or Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).
Awareness programmes for hotel operators, lifeguards and local communities would also help ensure an appropriate response to crocodile sightings, he added.
Prof Shahrul said people should remain calm, stay a safe distance away and not provoke or interact with the reptile.
He advised that all water-based activities should be halted until officials declare the area safe.
