KOTA KINABALU – A crocodile measuring around 4m, or 15 feet, was caught by villagers in Kg Pondo, Gaya Island, at 8am this morning.
A video of the crocodile had gone viral after villagers spotted and tried to catch the massive beast.
Kg Lobong village chief Rajit Serong, 60, said villagers had to take turns chasing the crocodile down using their boats.
The crocodile was easily spotted due to the clear seawater and it being low tide season, he said, adding that the animal was seen swimming near his village.
“We set up a trap using ropes and were successful in trapping the crocodile at around 5.30pm.
“We immediately called in the Civil Defence Force so that they could take action,” he told The Vibes.
Rajit said this was the first time in his life that such a dangerous animal was caught in his village.
“We were concerned for the safety of the islanders, especially the children, which was why we decided to catch the crocodile ourselves.
“We were worried that its presence here would not be detected in future. It would pose a safety issue in this fishing village. That is why we decided to catch it,” he said.
The Sabah Wildlife Department did not respond to questions when reached out to earlier. – The Vibes, June 12, 2021
