By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, Sept 30: A 12.5-foot saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) was successfully captured at Ladang Batu 4, Kuala Baram, on Sept 26, following an intensive operation launched in response to a recent fatal crocodile attack.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in a statement said that the reptile was caught using a fishing bait trap set up in the area, which had been identified as a danger zone.
The operation, which began on Sept 25, is expected to continue until Oct 5.
According to SFC, a search of the crocodile’s stomach revealed several objects and debris. The crocodile’s remains have since been handed over to the police for further investigation.
The crocodile hunt was led by SFC’s Wildlife Rapid Action Force (SWAT), with support from the police.
The operation was initiated after a 59-year-old man was killed by a crocodile while inspecting a fishing net on a riverbank at Batu 4, Kuala Baram, earlier this week.
SFC confirmed that the captured crocodile was part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of residents in the Kuala Baram area.
More traps have been set up to capture any remaining crocodiles that may pose a threat to the local community.
SFC urged the public to exercise caution, especially when near crocodile attack-prone areas, and to report any sightings of the reptile to the authorities. — DayakDaily
