Crews catch 17-foot crocodile in Malaysia as safety questions grow

A crocodile caught by a bridge in Sarawak, Malaysia, drew attention for more than the capture itself.

The animal, which measured 17 feet, 4 inches, was taken from Batang Rejang, and the incident prompted questions about whether teams responding to threats in local communities are being treated the same way.

Here's what to know

According to the Sarawak Tribune, the crocodile was captured at Jambatan Durin in Sibu on August 26.

Licensed crocodile catcher Jeferry Siew later said the frontline crew had repeatedly been told to halt its work, despite concern that the reptile endangered nearby residents.

In a Facebook post, Siew noted that his team had operated under the required standard operating procedures and in coordination with the relevant authorities. The group was willing to accept supervision, investigation and any necessary correction if officials determined that rules or procedures had been broken.

"We communicate, we cooperate, and we accept supervision," he said. "But when the crocodile has already posed a threat to the local community, and our frontline team is willing to take the risks, we are repeatedly told to stop."

The issue, in his view, wasn't oversight but inconsistent enforcement. He questioned why the same procedures seem to apply differently depending on the team involved.

More background

Encounters like this one are also a reminder that as people build and travel closer to wildlife habitats, close calls with large predators become more likely.

What's being done?

Siew said the team would accept an investigation and any corrective action if authorities find that procedures were not followed.

He called for a more transparent review of how those procedures are enforced.

"If we have violated any rules, show us the evidence," he wrote on Facebook. "If we have violated the SOP, tell us. We are prepared to accept an investigation and accept correction where necessary." 

Siew added: "We are not trying to be heroes. We simply hope that when the community is genuinely facing danger, those who are willing to step forward and take the risks are given a fair, transparent and procedural opportunity to act."

Where can I learn more?

Sarawak is far from the only place dealing with close encounters between people and dangerous reptiles:

• In Florida, growing safety concerns in neighborhoods accompanied surprising patterns among urban crocodiles.

• In Mumbai, officials took immediate action after a crocodile appeared in an urban pond.

• In India, a massive 12-foot gharial triggered panic after straying into the city.

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