KOTA KINABALU: The public is urged to report crocodile sightings to authorities via emergency hotlines for swift action.
Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah issued the call following a crocodile sighting at Tanjung Aru Beach on Sunday (March 16), a popular spot for locals and tourists to witness Sabah’s stunning sunsets.
He said Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), through its Crocodile Threat Management Committee, is intensifying monitoring efforts in city waters, particularly in high-risk areas.
Chaired by Sabin, the committee includes representatives from the police, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force, and Sabah Wildlife Department.
"Since its establishment on Jan 30 last year, the committee has conducted two monitoring operations. The first, from Feb 29 to March 1, focused on Sungai Darau, Sungai Kalansanan and other hotspots.
"The second, from Aug 19 to 20, was in response to viral footage of a crocodile near Tanjung Lipat. These operations confirmed crocodile presence in Sungai Darau and near the DBKK Depot Workshop," he said in a statement on Monday (March 17).
To mitigate risks, he said DBKK has committed to quarterly monitoring and additional safety measures, including crocodile population studies, warning signs in affected areas, scheduled patrols, and CCTV surveillance at high-risk locations.
"We assure the public that DBKK is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure continuous monitoring and prompt response to sightings," he added.
He also advised the public that any sightings of the reptile should be reported through any of these emergency hotlines - National Emergency Hotline at 999, police (088-529222), Kota Kinabalu Fire and Rescue Station (088-210214 / 019-2445687), Sabah Wildlife Department (088-213502), Sabah Civil Defence Force (088-232440) or Kota Kinabalu Civil Defence Force (088-232453).
