KUANTAN: People living in the vicinity of Sungai Belat and Sungai Kuantan here have been advised to remain vigilant and not take matters into their own hands if they come across any crocodiles during the monsoon season.
Pahang Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director Rozaidan Md Yasin said the flooded rivers had forced the reptiles to venture out of their natural habitat.
"Residents and road users are advised to remain vigilant because the rivers are the habitat for crocodiles," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 14).
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Rozaidan said residents in Inderapura, Sungai Isap, Kampung Belukar, Kampung Kurnia and areas near the Kampung Razali and Kampung Jawa canals were also advised to be on the alert.
He urged the public to avoid activities near rivers and keep their distance from the water so that they have a chance to escape if they encounter a crocodile.
"Be careful if you are on a boat... try to stay in the middle and make some noise because they will stay away from it.
"Do not approach a nest or try to catch baby crocodiles. Crocodiles have keen maternal instincts and will react violently if disturbed," he said.
He said villagers who sighted any crocodiles should call the department hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or 09-5733811. – Bernama
