A 12-foot-long crocodile was shot dead in waters off Kampung Pangi near Pantai Sarina, Kunak, early Wednesday morning following continued sightings of the reptiles in the area.
The adult crocodile, estimated to be about two feet wide, was taken down during an operation involving the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL), Civil Defence Force (APM) and police.
Kunak District Officer and Security Committee chairman Majaran Osman urged members of the public, particularly coastal residents and those involved in fishing or other water-based activities, to remain cautious and take appropriate safety measures.
Crocodile sightings have become a recurring concern in Kunak, with members of the public previously reporting the reptiles at several locations including Kampung Pangkalan, Kampung Buang Sayang, Kampung Kunak Jaya Laut, Kampung Pangi and the Madai waters.
The situation gained further attention after a video showing an adult crocodile lying on the seabed near the shoreline of the Darvel Lagoon recreational centre in Kampung Hampilan, within the Pangi waters, went viral last month.
Meanwhile, concerns over crocodile sightings have also been raised in Kota Kinabalu, where several reptiles were spotted basking along the banks of the Kampung Muhibbah Petagas River.
Religious leader of Masjid Kampung Muhibbah, Arifin @ Lutfin Massai, said the presence of the crocodiles was worrying, particularly for villagers who regularly use the river to travel to the sea or for fishing.
He also urged parents to keep their children away from the river, saying some youngsters were known to play near the water. Residents have likewise been advised to exercise extra caution when boarding boats or carrying out activities along the riverbank.
Arifin said he had contacted the Sabah Wildlife Department to request action, adding that the department had responded and planned to deploy personnel to install traps to capture the crocodiles.
He also suggested that the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), together with the village chief, consider installing warning signs along the river to remind residents and visitors of the potential danger.
With crocodile sightings continuing across parts of Sabah, residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary activities near waterways where the reptiles have been spotted.
