LAHAD DATU: Fears over increase in crocodile attacks are leaving residents from Beaufort to Lahad Datu worried for their safety.
They want the authorities to implement better safety measures with two consecutive fatal incidents, here, this week alone involving a 12-year-old boy and 20-year-old man.
Tungku Community Development Leader Mohd Syahid Gulam said the incidents threatened those living near or who depend on the sea and rivers for their livelihood.
He proposed continuous monitoring and operations to capture or relocate the creatures.
“Crocodile sightings and encounters continue to the reported in Tungku areas. The authorities must act promptly by enhancing patrols and identifying high-risk areas as well as installing additional warning signs where crocodiles are frequently seen,” he said.
Mohd Syahid advised the public to remain vigilant when carrying out activities near the waters and to avoid going alone.
On Tuesday, a 20-year-old man was found dead believed attacked by crocodile while collecting marine catches at Pantai Kampung Mundas.
The victim went to sea at 7am to check on the net that he had installed the previous day when he was attacked by the crocodile.
His body was found by family members and villagers at about 10am with wounds on his stomach and chest.
On Monday, a 12-year-old boy was found dead, believed attacked by crocodile at Sungai Tegupi. The incident was witnessed by his neighbour who saw him being pulled into the water by a crocodile.
The victim’s body was later found at 2pm with wounds on his back and leg.
In BEAUFORT, two crocodiles were sighted in Sungai Padas, one near Jalan Balibata opposite the Sabah Electricity office and another close to the new Bingkul bridge.
A local resident estimated them to be around 10 to 15 feet long and seen resting at the Sungai Padas riverbank at Balibata.
“Anglers are advised to be extra careful when at the riverbank as crocodiles can suddenly appear,” he said.
He also urged parents and those bringing children fishing to be cautious.
Another angler said he saw a crocodile near the Bingkul bridge area while fishing with his wife and child.
“We were fishing when we suddenly saw a crocodile on the opposite riverbank. We quickly packed our fishing gear and went home,” he said.
A resident identified as Sabrina Wisom, who also recorded the sighting, said she observed the crocodile from a distance.
Checks by Daily Express found that crocodiles in the area have previously been captured by the Wildlife Department in Weston, Kuala Penyu, Menumbok and Sipitang.
More recently, a crocodile in Kota Marudu was reportedly trapped in a fishing net.
The Wildlife Department has in the past carried out culling of crocodiles in Sungai Padas after they were deemed a threat to anglers and fishermen in the area.
