A HUGE crocodile measuring more than 17 feet has been captured in Tawau following growing fears among villagers over repeated sightings along the river.
Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, who is also part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition, said he was alerted to the incident by village head and party division deputy chief Mohammad Fakir, who helped coordinate the complaint to the Sabah Wildlife Department.
“The villagers were very anxious after seeing several crocodiles near their fishing grounds. Their safety was at risk, especially for those who go out early in the morning or at night,” Liew said in a Facebook post earlier today.
He added that the crocodile was one of four caught within 24 hours, describing the situation as “unprecedented” in the area.
“This shows how serious the problem has become. We are thankful to the Wildlife Department officers and local volunteers who acted quickly,” he said.
Images shared from the scene showed the large reptile lying motionless on the ground with visible head injuries, surrounded by villagers and wildlife wardens assessing the carcass.
Under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, crocodiles are protected animals that cannot be captured or killed without authorisation.
However, the law allows the Sabah Wildlife Department to remove or destroy the animal if it is deemed a threat to human life or property.
Wildlife wardens, who are trained officers under the department, typically file detailed reports after such operations, noting the circumstances, location, and condition of the animal.
“This is not about harming wildlife but about saving lives,” Liew said. “People here depend on the river for their livelihood.”
The Sabah Wildlife Department did not respond when contacted for comment on the operation or on the fate of the captured crocodiles. - October 24, 2025
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