A 500kg saltwater crocodile was captured near Lubukan Island, Sandakan, after villagers alerted authorities, ensuring public safety.
KOTA KINABALU: A massive 500-kilogramme saltwater crocodile was captured at Lubukan Island near Sandakan on Friday.
The incident began when the Sandakan Civil Defence Force (APM) received a public alert at 9.00 am regarding a crocodile sighting near the beach area, raising safety concerns for local residents.
According to APM Sandakan officer Kapten (PA) Sulaiman Salama, the nearly 13-foot long reptile had already been secured by local villagers before authorities arrived on the scene.
The crocodile was then transported to shore using a marine police vessel.
A team from APM Sandakan was then deployed to conduct follow-up handling operations in close coordination with the Wildlife Department and the Marine Police.
The operation proceeded smoothly, and the giant crocodile was fully secured without incident, Sulaiman said.
The saltwater crocodile was later handed over to the Wildlife Department for further action, he added.
Sulaiman expressed appreciation to the vigilant local community and all involved agencies for their close cooperation, which ensured the continued safety and well-being of the local community.
