VIDEO clips of a crocodile have caused a bit of a stir on social media, especially among Penang folk, after it was claimed that the reptile was seen near Pulau Rimau on the island's south-eastern tip.
It is thought to be a saltwater crocodile or "buaya tembaga", and has sparked safety concerns especially to boatmen and fishermen in the area.
Has a saltwater crocodile really been sighted near the islet, as claimed?
VERDICT:
TRUE
State Perhilitan director Mohd Zaide Mohamed Zin said the animal possibly came from a nearby river.
"The crocodile could have strayed from its habitat," he said when contacted on Thursday (April 23).
Zaide said the area between Pulau Rimau and Pulau Kendi is known for crocodile sightings.
He noted that the crocodile could have come from nearby river systems such as Sungai Juru or adjacent waterways, but stressed that such movements are not unusual for the species.
"It is difficult to determine its exact size, but initial observations estimate it to be about three metres long," he said.
Zaide added that no official reports have been lodged over the sighting, nor is there any indication that the reptile poses a threat to fishermen in the area.
"We have received information from local boatmen and fishermen, who indicated that the crocodile has not shown aggressive behaviour or posed any danger so far.
"Its diet typically consists of fish or other animals that come within its reach," he said.
Nonetheless, he advised the public to remain cautious and avoid provoking or approaching the animal if they see it.
In September, a 3.6m saltwater crocodile was captured near a hotel in Teluk Bahang, after alarming beachgoers.
The Civil Defence Force safely caught the reptile, believed to have wandered from a nearby river, and relocated it to the Paya Indah Wetlands in Selangor.
