One way: Jessieca and Samara standing next to the warning sign at the Likas Sports Complex jogging track in Kota Kinabalu.
KOTA KINABALU: Likas Bay near here was alive with visitors, families on picnics and people carrying out sports activities as usual.
There was no sign of fear among them, even with recent reports of crocodile sightings in the area.
Housewife Nadjua Ahmad, 31, who was with her family at the beach yesterday, said she didn’t think it was a matter of concern.
“Besides, the reports of these sightings were of smaller crocodiles and at the rockier parts where not many people hang out,” said the mother of two.
She was there for a birthday picnic for a relative, and there were more than a dozen of them.
Nadjua, who came from Telipok some 20km away, said what was important was for everyone to be extra alert and keep their children away from the water.
“The weather is nice today. It has been raining so much, so it is lucky that we have fine weather for our birthday picnic and we just have to be careful, crocodile or no crocodile,” she said.
For Jessieca Audrine Jimin, 34, the Likas Bay area has been one of her favourite jogging routes.
“We have never encountered any crocodile when we come here. But, of course, with the recent sightings as reported, I tend to feel a little concerned,” said the homemaker.
However, that did not stop her and family from going there, especially not her veterinarian husband.
“He was feeling adventurous and asked me and our seven-year-old daughter Samara to stand near the ‘crocodile’ signboard for a photo,” said Jessieca.
“Samara was super excited though. We hope there is a way these reptiles can co-exist with humans,” she added.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said officials are conducting routine checks at the area following these sightings.
Earlier, they also put up traps and kept watch on possible landings of these reptilesr.
He said the choppy seas also made it more difficult to trap crocodiles.
“Be alert at all times. Inform us if anyone sees these reptiles and do not take matters into your own hands,” Tuuga advised.
