SANTUBONG: An escaped crocodile from a nearby farm created a frenzy in Kampung Santubong yesterday.

The 4.5m-long reptile was spotted only 10m from Nuraina Arbi's house.

"I thought it was only a monitor lizard as we see them a lot around here. I never expected a crocodile to come and sunbathe outside my house," said the 9-year-old girl yesterday.

The salt-water crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) had escaped from a nearby farm which breeds crocodiles for commercial use.

Another resident, Kamarulzaman Ramli, 33, who wrestled with the 500kg beast, said he and 10 other villagers took an hour to restrain it.
"At first, there were only five of us catching the crocodile.

"The 500kg beast was not easy to handle as it kept swinging its tail at us. Fortunately, other villagers came to assist at the right time."

Kamarulzaman blamed the farm owner for failing to increase security along the farm perimeter. The farm is situated next to the village.

"Fortunately, there were no untoward incidents today.

"The owner must take responsibility for this incident before lives are lost," said Kamarulzaman.

The crocodile was later sent to the Santubong police station before it was releases to the owner at 1pm yesterday.

The owner of the crocodile farm refused to comment on the incident.