BALIK PULAU: Visitors to Batu Ferringhi beach were taken aback when a crocodile was spotted in the waters near a hotel in Teluk Bahang on Tuesday (Sept 23) afternoon.
The Penang Civil Defence Force (APM) said it received a distress call at around 3.30pm, and officers quickly moved to evacuate beachgoers from the area.
“A total of 15 APM personnel rushed to the scene, but the crocodile swam away before we could approach it," said Penang APM district officer Capt Muhammad Aizat Abdul Ghani.
He added that four boats, including those from the Fire and Rescue Services Department and local fishermen, were mobilised to assist in the search.
At the time of writing, the reptile had yet to be found.
"This is the first time we have encountered such a case on the island. Previously, crocodile sightings were mostly confined to the mainland," Capt Aizat said.
He suggested that the animal could have emerged from nearby rivers and accidentally ventured into the open sea.
Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and avoid the water until the search is complete.
