SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Civil Defence Force (APM) safely captured a 15kg saltwater crocodile that had wandered into the Sim Sim Low Cost Housing Estate on Sunday night, preventing potential tragedy in the densely populated neighbourhood.
The incident began around 6.47 pm when a shocked resident discovered the reptile in the waters beneath his stilt house. Fearing for public safety, the 54-year-old man immediately contacted the MERS 999 emergency line.
A team from the Sandakan APM Operations Control Centre (PKOD) arrived at the scene 20 minutes later with seven personnel deploying two specialized rescue vehicles.
According to a APM spokesperson, rescuers used a snaring technique to subdue the crocodile. The capture process involved securing a head loop around the reptile, covering the crocodile’s eyes with a blanket and restraining its limbs before relocation.
“The operation proceeded smoothly without incident or casualties,” added the spokesperson.
The 1.5 metre crocodile would be handed to the Wildlife Department for further action. Sandakan APM reminded residents to remain vigilant and report any dangerous wildlife sightings through official emergency channels.
The operation concluded at 8:19pm with all APM personnel returning safely to PKOD. – James Leong
