A resident of Rumah Pangsa Lereh had an unexpected encounter with wildlife after an infant cobra reportedly weighing about 10kg became entangled in his fishing net while he was casting for fish in a nearby river on Saturday morning.
The man, Mohd Rafi Musa, 36, said the incident happened around 9am at Sungai Lereh while he was fishing for household consumption. He added that sightings of crocodiles in the area were not uncommon, with villagers having spotted several reptiles in the river before.
He claimed there were believed to be around five crocodiles inhabiting the Sungai Lereh area, including two frequently seen beneath a nearby bridge, raising concerns among residents despite no recorded attacks so far.
Mohd Rafi said he managed to secure the young crocodile after it became trapped in his net before handing it over to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) for further action.
He admitted the reptile initially acted aggressively and attempted to bite him during the incident, forcing him to restrain its mouth with a rope before placing it into a sack, during which he sustained minor injuries.
Meanwhile, Klebang state assemblyman Datuk Lim Ban Hong, who visited the site after being informed of the incident, said he had requested the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) to install warning signs along Sungai Lereh to alert the public about crocodile presence.
He also urged local communities to remain vigilant, especially as children are often seen playing near the riverbank, and advised the public not to attempt capturing wild animals on their own due to safety risks.
Perhilitan officers later arrived at the scene at about 12.30pm and took custody of the crocodile for further handling and monitoring.
