MELAKA: A large crocodile has been spotted attacking a monitor lizard in Sungai Melaka, close to Kampung Morten here.
Kota Laksamana assemblyman Low Chee Leong said the crocodile, which is about three metres long, had already been spotted in the river several times this year.
"Two attempts have been made by rangers from the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to trap the reptile but were unsuccessful," he said when interviewed on Tuesday (Oct 8).
Low said the predatory behaviour of the crocodile was filmed by a jogger on the walkway along Sungai Melaka on Tuesday morning (Oct 8).
In the now-viral video, a large monitor lizard can be seen swimming as fast as it can across the surface of the water.
The reason for its distress then becomes evident – it is being pursued by the reptilian predator.
The crocodile eventually catches up to the lizard and strikes, resulting in a large splash as the pair trashes about in the water.
It is unknown if the lizard survived the attack.
Low said the crocodile was previously sighted at several spots along the river close to a shopping complex and near Kampung Morten.
"We discourage the public, especially anglers, from going close to the riverbank," he said.
Large monitor lizards (Varanus salvator) are common in Sungai Melaka.
"People also take shelter below the Datuk Mohd Zain bridge along the walkway, which is close to the riverbank, during heavy downpour," he said, adding that the area is unlit.
He said the crocodile could stealthily approach people there and attack.
Melaka Perhilitan director Petra Sulai said a team would be dispatched to trap the crocodile.
In May this year, Perhilitan managed to capture another three-metre-long saltwater crocodile along the riverbank at Kampung Tengah in Pulau Gadong here.
Klebang assemblyman Datuk Wira Lim Ban Hong, however, warned that the crocodile threat is ever-present along the Sungai Malim riverbank as more crocs have been sighted there previously.
