KINABATANGAN: Authorities have heightened surveillance after villagers reported spotting a large crocodile near the flood hit Kampung Muhibah bridge here, raising concerns that a notorious man-eating reptile may be lurking in the area.
A joint monitoring team comprising the Wildlife Department, police, and Civil Defence Force personnel was deployed since Thursday (April 3) following the sighting.
Kapten Ahmad Roslan Mohd Kamel of the Civil Defence Force confirmed that initial searches found no trace of the reptile but said wildlife officers would set a trap as a precaution.
The area lies close to Tanjung Bulat, known as the territory of “Si Black”—a feared crocodile blamed for the 2018 fatal attack on an off-duty Civil Defence Force member. The victim was snatched while fishing along the riverbank, an incident that remains fresh in the minds of locals.
With recent floods displacing wildlife, authorities have urged residents to avoid riverbanks and remain vigilant.
Fallen boulder removed but affected road remains closed pending inspection
Meanwhile, in Sandakan, cleanup efforts have been carried out to remove debris from a fallen boulder that blocked Jalan Buli Sim Sim, one day after the incident occurred on Thursday.
Tanjong Papat assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung on Friday returned to the site again to assess the situation following the completion of cleanup operations by relevant authorities.
“The road remains closed to the public as safety inspections on the hillside slope by Public Works Department (JKR) experts from Kota Kinabalu have yet to be conducted. These checks are crucial to ensure no further rocks are at risk of collapsing,” he added.
For now, the route remains shut, and the public is advised to avoid the area and comply with authorities’ instructions for their safety, Poon said.
Cooperation from all parties is greatly appreciated. – James Leong
