KOTA KINABALU: Villagers hauling in their fishing nets in Kota Marudu got more than they bargained for when they discovered an eight-foot crocodile entangled in their catch on Tuesday morning (Oct 13).
The reptile, weighing approximately 100kg, was caught in the nets of Kampung Birahan villagers, who initially thought the heavy weight was a large haul of fish.
Upon realizing a live crocodile was trapped in the net, the villagers immediately called emergency services for help.
Civil Defence Department (APM) personnel responded to the call and used a villager's boat to reach the site.
"Personnel were dispatched to the scene to capture the reptile. Since the crocodile was still alive, our team had to properly secure it before handing it over to wildlife officials for further action," the department said in a statement on Tuesday.
Following the incident, the department advised the public to exercise caution when near rivers, coastal areas, and known crocodile habitats.
Members of the public facing emergencies in the area can contact the Kota Marudu Civil Defence operations centre at 088-661656 or dial 999.
