SANDAKAN: A crocodile believed to have killed a dog near a fish farm at Pasir Putih resurfaced early Aug 27 and was shot by wildlife rangers, though authorities have yet to confirm whether the reptile has been neutralised.
Wildlife Department personnel had been deployed to the Pasir Putih shoreline since Aug 26 evening and remained on standby throughout the night to track the predator’s movements.
At approximately 6.00 am on Thursday, the crocodile reappeared close to the same fish cage where a dog was previously believed to have been mauled. Upon detecting the reptile’s presence, the rangers fired a shot—reportedly striking the target. However, immediately after being hit, the crocodile submerged and has not resurfaced since.
The Wildlife Department has stated that it is still unable to verify whether the crocodile has perished. According to officials, a wounded crocodile is capable of diving whether it is alive or dead. Consequently, the fact that it failed to reappear cannot be taken as conclusive evidence that it was successfully eliminated.
“As long as the carcass has not been recovered, we cannot declare that the crocodile has been shot dead. Its actual status remains pending further confirmation from the Wildlife Department,” a source explained.
Rangers are expected to continue their monitoring and patrols in the surrounding waters. The Karamunting State Assemblyman’s Office is also maintaining close coordination with the relevant authorities and will continue to relay real-time updates to the public.
The owner of the fish farm confirmed that the crocodile had returned to the area yesterday morning, having been alerted by his workers before the Wildlife team tracked it down. This marks the second time the reptile has circled back to the same location following the earlier dog attack, heightening anxiety among local cage operators and residents.
Authorities have reiterated that the immediate priority is to track the crocodile’s movements and obtain official confirmation regarding its condition. Until its death is verified, the public is strongly urged to exercise extreme caution, steer clear of the affected waters, and refrain from entering the water under any circumstances.
The Karamunting State Assemblyman’s Office has pledged to closely monitor the Wildlife Department’s follow-up actions, and keep residents and the general public informed of further developments. – James Leong
The “Beware of Crocodile” sign contributed by Karamunting Assemblyman’s Office erected at Pasir Putih.
