BEAUFORT: A licensed crocodile hunter has captured a 16-foot male crocodile weighing about one tonne in Kampung Weston, ending months of concern among local residents.
Hunter Donny Sekumil, who holds a valid crocodile hunting licence (JHL(PB)600-5/11.JID 20), said the crocodile was caught at about 6am in a tributary near Sungai Bukau after taking bait consisting of a live chicken. It was later shot and retrieved from the river with the help of his brother-in-law.
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Donny said several other crocodiles had approached the bait earlier but disappeared after being startled by the noise of a passing boat.
Residents had feared the crocodile because it had reportedly preyed on livestock, including three goats and several chickens.
Donny said he and his team have captured more than 50 crocodiles in Weston’s rivers since last year, although none had been as large as this one.
They intend to continue licensed hunting to help reduce the crocodile population, which remains a threat to residents, especially fishermen.
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Town Safety Committee (JKDB) Chairman Amin Abbas welcomed the capture, saying it had eased public concern over the growing number of crocodiles in the area.
“All residents, especially fishermen and children, must remain cautious near rivers, as crocodiles can attack without warning,” he said.
He added that community leaders had installed warning signs along riverbanks to alert residents and anglers to the danger.
In recent months, the Wildlife Department has also shot several crocodiles in the Weston River.
Crocodiles have been spotted beneath houses, and in one incident, a crocodile attempted to attack a cat from beneath a bridge but failed after biting one of the bridge pillars.
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