MELAKA: The presence of a saltwater crocodile (pic) in Sungai Melaka has become a talking point here, more so after it attacked a monitor lizard near the riverbank of Kampung Morten here.
“A jogger filmed the crocodile attempting to maul a reptile that was almost similar in size,” said Kota Laksamana assemblyman Low Chee Leong.
The crocodile, which is nearly two metres long, has been sighted along the river since early this year, he said.
Low voiced concern that the reptile was turning aggressive and posing a danger to humans.
In an interview, he said the crocodile seemed hungry based on the video captured yesterday morning.
He added that this could spell danger for those using the recreational walkway along Sungai Melaka, which is popular with joggers and pedestrians every morning and late evening.
“Others have been seen taking shelter below the Datuk Mohd Zain bridge along the walkway during heavy downpours.
“This is close to the riverbank. And the area is dark in the evening,” he said.
Low said that two attempts were made earlier by rangers from the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to trap the reptile, but both were unsuccessful.
Sungai Melaka is a natural habitat for large water monitor lizards which are capable of growing up to three metres long.
Low said the latest sighting was a sign that the public, especially anglers, must not venture too close to the riverbank.
“I have also checked with the management of the Melaka River Cruise service, but have been told that their boat operators haven’t sighted the crocodile while cruising along the river,” he said.
Low said only one crocodile had been spotted so far.
Meanwhile, Kampung Morten head Azman Dollah said the 500 residents of the traditional village in the heart of the historic city hope that Perhilitan could capture the reptile soon.
He said they were concerned about everyone’s safety.
Melaka Perhilitan deputy director Alfiesyahril Anewar Ahmad estimated the crocodile to be about 1.8m long and weighing around 25kg to 30kg.
“We will use a net to capture the crocodile. If this does not work, we will set up a cage to trap it,” he said, adding that eight of his men had been sent to monitor the situation.
In May, Perhilitan caught a 3m-long saltwater crocodile using a trap along the riverbank at Kampung Tengah in Pulau Gadong here.
