SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) here captured a 200-kilogramme crocodile early yesterday at Kampung Sungai Obar, Mile 7 Sungai Kayu Road.
The nine-foot-long reptile was captured after the APM received an emergency call from a member of the public at 1.42 am, Sandakan APM Officer, Kapten (PA) Sulaiman Salama disclosed.
According to Sulaiman, the APM District Operations Control Centre (PKOD) received a report that a crocodile was seen emerging beneath a house, after allegedly chasing a dog.
“The frightened caller witnessed the crocodile moving closer to the residential area and immediately contacted the NG999 emergency hotline for assistance,” said Sulaiman.
Following the call, Sulaiman directed an operations team to proceed immediately to the location, adding that, the team that arrived on site acted swiftly by snaring the crocodile and covering its eyes using ropes, clamping tools, and a safety blanket to prevent it from becoming aggressive.
The entire operation, which began with the emergency call and concluded at 2.53 am, took just 49 minutes. No injuries or unwanted incidents were reported throughout the operation, stated Sulaiman.
A total of eight APM personnel were involved, assisted by two Light Rescue Vehicles (LRVs), he further said.
Sulaiman advised the public to remain vigilant at all times, especially in areas near rivers. Any sightings of potentially dangerous wild animals should be reported immediately via the NG999 emergency line. – James Leong
