KLEBANG: Visitor numbers have dropped significantly at Klebang Beach following viral social media reports of a crocodile sighting along the shoreline.
Local food vendor Maimun Abu Bakar, 60, confirmed the beach was noticeably quieter than usual over the past two days.
“Fewer people have come to collect clams, likely out of fear, although the decline in shellfish could also be a factor,“ she told Bernama.
She urged authorities to continue monitoring the area and install warning signs to keep the public informed and cautious.
Visitor Suriani Akhbar, 44, from Tanjung Kling, said she only learned about the reported sighting upon arrival.
“Now I understand why there are fewer people today,“ said the homemaker who visited with a friend.
Azmi Tahir, 36, from Semabok, cancelled his clam-collecting plans after hearing about the crocodile from local traders.
“It’s disappointing, of course,“ he said during his first visit to the beach. “Who wouldn’t want free seafood, especially when prices are high, but nothing is worth more than your life.”
The Melaka Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) yesterday advised the public to avoid water-related activities at Klebang Beach until the area is confirmed safe.
The department is investigating the sighting but has yet to find physical evidence of the reptile, with continuous monitoring currently underway. – Bernama
