Sabah riverside communities raise alarm over frequent crocodile sightings

KOTA KINABALU (March 4): Fishermen and residents along the river are living in constant worry as crocodile sightings become increasingly frequent, raising concerns for both safety and daily livelihoods.

Awangku Hakimi Ak Mohamad Zaidi, 21, from Kampung Mempakul, Menumbok, Kuala Penyu, who lives near Sungai Kampung Laut, said villagers first noticed the reptiles in late 2024.

He added that crocodile hatchlings are often seen swimming on the river’s surface, causing anxiety among residents who rely on the river for their daily income.

“We still go down to the river depending on the tides, but we don’t bathe there as much anymore to avoid any unwanted incidents,” he told Bernama.

The self-employed villager recalled a frightening encounter on April 4 last year, at around 3am, when his uncle spotted a crocodile near his boat in the pre-dawn hours.

Awangku Hakimi said that his uncle was left shocked and anxious before calling him, after which he alerted the Civil Defence Force (APM) to catch a three-metre-long crocodile weighing 250 kg.

“I hope the government can put up warning signs so villagers and visitors will be more careful, and take measures to catch the crocodiles to help fishermen safely go down to the river or sea to earn a living,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nurhalim Abdul Faiz, 26, from Kampung Tinusa 2, Batu 7, who lives in Sungai Tinusa water village, Sandakan, admitted that living near the reptiles’ habitat carries risks that require constant vigilance, especially at night when crocodiles usually emerge in search of food.

Sharing the moment he encountered the crocodile at around 11pm in May last year, Nurhalim said he first heard birds chirping, a sound that often signals wild animals hunting the chickens behind his house.

“When I went out and looked under the house, I saw a crocodile. I managed to catch it with a rope and turned off the outside lights so it wouldn’t run away,” he said, before calling 999 for help.

Nurhalim said that shortly afterward, APM personnel arrived and successfully captured a 1.5-metre-long, 16kg baby crocodile.

He added that residents had taken precautionary measures, including avoiding fishing or diving when the river water turned murky, as crocodiles are difficult to spot under such conditions, and that warning signs had been installed to alert the community.

“The presence of crocodiles has certainly disrupted the daily lives of those who depend on the river for their livelihood, but we have no option but to stay vigilant at all times,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ronny Akai, 50, who lives near Sungai Serudung Laut in Tawau, said that the village’s first crocodile attack, which occurred in 2004, has served as a lasting reminder for residents to exercise caution whenever they are on the river.

He said that Sungai Serudung is considered a dangerous river, as the exact number of crocodiles living there remains unknown, which has a direct impact on the livelihoods of residents who rely on its waters.

Ronny said that there are times when villagers still fish and bathe in the river during the dry season, despite the risks posed by crocodiles.

“To stay safe, villagers should only go to the river in the morning when it’s safe, and avoid it after 6 pm,” he said, hoping that warning signs would be put up to alert others.