SANDAKAN: A 200kg crocodile measuring about 9ft long was captured by the Civil Defence Force (APM) in Kampung Sungai Obar, Mile 7, here, early Tuesday (Oct 28).
District Civil Defence Officer Capt Sulaiman Salama said the operation began at 1.42am after the district operations control centre received an emergency call about a crocodile seen emerging from beneath a stilt house after chasing a dog.
The caller, terrified by the sight of the reptile approaching residential areas, immediately contacted the MERS 999 hotline for help.
“Our team arrived at the location shortly after receiving the report and acted swiftly to restrain the crocodile by tying its jaws and covering its eyes with a safety blanket to prevent it from becoming aggressive,” he said in a statement.
He said the operation concluded at 2.53am, taking a total of 49 minutes, and no injuries or untoward incidents were reported.
Eight personnel, including one officer, were involved in the operation, assisted by two Light Rescue Vehicles.
Sulaiman advised residents to remain vigilant, especially in areas close to rivers, and to report any sightings of wild or dangerous animals by calling the MERS 999 hotline.
