Sabah wildlife dept to set up crocodile traps at Sg Kampung Mengkabong, Tuaran

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL) will set up crocodile traps in Sungai Kampung Mengkabong, near Tuaran, to catch the reptile which is believed to have attacked a teenage boy, on Thursday.

Confirming that the area was indeed a habitat for crocodiles, the department’s director Augustine Tuuga told Bernama that the area was too big and the department would begin setting up the traps soon.

In the incident at 3.30 pm, on Thursday, the victim Azlan Arif Abdullah escaped from being eaten by the crocodile after six of his friends bashed the beast, however the 16-year-old sustained injuries on the body, right leg and stomach.

According to Tuaran district police chief, DSP Mohd Hamizi Halim, the crocodile measuring about 1.52 metre, attacked and bit the victim who was among the group, comprising children and teens, aged 9 to 16, who were looking for clams and snails in the river.

Azlan Arif is now being treated at Tuaran Hospital and would be referred to Kota Belud Hospital or Papar Hospital for further treatment due to the serious injuries sustained.

Meanwhile, Augustine also reminded the public to always be careful when conducting activities in the area that is a crocodile habitat or to completely avoid the area to prevent unwanted things from happening.

-- BERNAMA