Kota Kinabalu: A crocodile alert has been issued following a sighting in waters off Tanjung Aru beach here at around 8.15am, Sunday, according to the Kota Kinabalu Civil Defence Force (APM)'s Facebook page.
Beach Lifeguard Tower personnel who received a report from a member of the public, immediately raised the red flag and issued warnings and announcements to the public at the beach.
They advised beachgoers to limit water activities as a precaution. Authorities including the Lifeguard Tower personnel are continuing to monitor the situation closely and urged the public to spread awareness to prevent untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, many netizens expressed shock over the sighting, saying this has never happened in Tg Aru before.
Some blamed it on the decision by a previous Penampang Municipal Council to allow the commercial breeding of crocodiles along the Moyog river, despite being aware that the district is susceptible to severe flooding.
A resident, Oswald Supi, said many villagers are now afraid to go near the river following reports of sightings. “They are afraid of what may be lurking in the bushes,” he said. “Witnesses also spotted them during a river expedition a few years back.”
However, he believed any possibility of crocodiles ending up at Tg Aru could be possible if their eggs had hatched and the young reptiles found their way to the estuary of the Petagas rivermouth and started breeding.
He said it is premature to tell whether any had escaped this way from the crocodile farm that was likely approved by the Wildlife Department near where the Moyog river flows into Petagas.
He said the Petagas River and even the Moyog used to have crocodiles decades ago but they have been hunted down.
Meanwhile, Tanjung Aru Assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong called for intensified patrols along Tanjung Aru beach and capture them to prevent potential harm.
“I appreciate the efforts of our beach rescue team and the Civil Defence Force for their prompt action in ensuring the safety of our beachgoers,” he said.
He advised locals and tourists to avoid sea activities until officials declare the area safe.
“The visibility of crocodiles in our waters is alarming. I urge the Sabah Wildlife Department and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough search to identify potential breeding grounds to prevent an increase in the crocodile population, ensuring the safety of all beach users not only at Tanjung Aru but also at nearby major beach resorts and Tanjung Lipat Beach,” he said.
