MELAKA: Klebang Beach, where many people were drawn to due to its abundance of cockles, is noticeably quieter due to reports of a crocodile sighting here.
Food vendor Maimun Abu Bakar, 60, said word of the sighting, which went viral on social media is discouraging many from visiting the beach.
"Over the past two days, fewer people have come to collect cockles, although the decline in shellfish numbers could also be a factor," she said on Wednesday (Oct 22).
Suriani Akhbar, 44, from Tanjung Kling, said she only learned of the reported sighting when she got to there arrival and chose to stay near the shoreline as a precaution.
Azmi Tahir, 36, from Semabok, said he decided not to go into the sea after hearing about the crocodile from local traders.
"It's disappointing, of course. Who wouldn't want free seafood – but nothing is worth more than your life," he said, adding this was his first visit to the beach.
On Tuesday (Oct 21), the Melaka Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) advised the public to avoid water-related activities at Klebang Beach until the area is confirmed safe.
Perhilitan is investigating the sighting but has yet to find physical evidence of the crocodile. – Bernama
