A 300-kilogram, six-meter long crocodile was captured by the Sabah Civil Defence Department on Monday, along with assistance from the Sabah Wildlife Department rangers and local policemen, after a plantation worker spotted the giant animal. The incident happened near Sukau, along the Kinabatangan River.
Saltwater crocodiles are known to grow 4 to 5 meters. Six is hitting the higher margins of growth distribution.
We’re guessing that after momentarily losing their minds at seeing a deadly animal that’s as long as 4 Myvis parked next to each other, or like 200 bags, if you’re Datuk Vida, they were quick to dial the 9-9-9.
The Star adds that the croc was handed over to the Wildlife Department following it’s capture.
Both Sabah and neighbouring state Sarawak have experienced an increase in crocodile sightings and attacks. A few years ago, Sarawak residents noticed that attacks were on the rise. Many blamed the changing eco-structure brought on by palm oil farming and logging to the rise in crocs in previously uncharted waters.
East Malaysia is arguably the most resource rich area of the country. Sabah is the country’s biggest palm oil supplier. From palm oil to rubber to timber, money flows from Borneo but often does not reach the backwaters of its rural residents.
Previously, residents of one island reported that their waters had become overrun by the saltwater beasts, leaving them afraid to leave their homes.
Judging by this photo, taken of a croc in the wild near the Kinabatangan River in 2015, those in infested areas have good reason to be afraid. Very afraid.
