Rescuers free croc caught by illegal trap in Betong

SIBU: A 3m crocodile caught in a trap by a fish hook in its mouth was successfully rescued at Sungai Layar near Kampung Hilir in Betong on Friday (Feb 3).

The crocodile had earlier taken the bait set up by someone trying to catch it illegally and was hooked.

Betong Civil Defence officer Lieutenant (PA) Desem Samuel said the authorities had received an emergency call at 8.23am concerning a crocodile caught on a fish hook.

"As soon as we received the call, a team of seven was dispatched to the location with special equipment to rescue and secure the crocodile.

"Arriving at the scene, the team met a villager who pointed them in the direction where the crocodile had been caught. The man also asked for our help to release it in a safe place," Desem said.

He said it took the team 20 minutes to bring the crocodile to the riverbank.

According to Desem, based on the type of hook and equipment used to trap the crocodile, the individual who set it was believed to be adept at catching crocodiles.

He said the crocodile will be handed over to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), which will then send it to the Matang Wildlife Centre in Kubah National Park, Kuching.