Wildlife officers and villagers securing a 17-foot crocodile caught in Kampung Pangkalan Asli, Merotai.
TAWAU: A five-metre-long crocodile has been caught in Kampung Pangkalan Asli, Merotai — the fourth captured within 24 hours — following a series of incidents involving livestock attacks and a fatal crocodile encounter earlier this month.
Kampung Pangkalan Asli village chief Mohammad Fakir said the operation was launched after local fishermen reported frequent crocodile sightings along Sungai Merotai, raising fears for public safety.
“Fishermen said they often saw crocodiles near their fishing grounds, and this raised fears for their safety,” he said.
A Wildlife Department (Perhilitan) staff member said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to reduce crocodile numbers in the area after several goats were reportedly attacked and a resident from Kampung Pangkalan Asli, Merotai Besar, was killed in a crocodile attack on Sunday (Oct 19).
“The department set up baited hooks to catch the crocodiles, as shooting them directly would require more resources,” the staff member explained when contacted.
“Once a crocodile is caught, then it is euthanised.”
The department’s measures were aimed at preventing further incidents, as crocodiles of such size pose a serious danger to humans.
With the latest capture, residents hope the nearby river area will now be safer for daily activities, particularly for local fishermen.
