SIPITANG: Residents here wants the Wildlife Department to catch and kill a crocodile that was seen in the river near Kampung Banting in Kuala Mengalong on Saturday.
A resident who requested anonymity claimed to have seen a crocodile measuring about 3 meters long swimming in the river just days after a man went missing in the area.
“The crocodile was seen swimming near the riverbank, which makes it dangerous for both residents and rescue teams who are still looking for the missing man in the river,” the resident said.
The resident urge both the search team and other residents to be very careful when they are near the water or in the river, especially people who might be fishing there.
Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue Station Chief Calvin Joe Jeafery said the search continues for Pungut Maidin, 52, who went missing and is believed to have been attacked by a crocodile.
“We are unable to participate in flood rescue operations because we must focus on finding the missing person. However, this district also has other rescue teams including the police and the Civil Defence Force,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Kampung Lumat, Beaufort, another resident reported seeing a large crocodile coming ashore on Saturday.
The resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, voiced concern about the danger posed to villagers conducting activities near the river.
“We request that the Wildlife Department take action to capture the crocodile for the safety of residents who carry out activities along the river,” the resident said.
The resident also advised locals to be cautious when approaching the river, as the presence of the crocodile poses a life-threatening risk.
“I strongly advise residents, especially children, not to swim or play in the river which clearly has a dangerous inhabitant,” said the resident.
