LAHAD DATU: Three male crocodiles were successfully shot dead in an integrated operation conducted at several locations around this district yesterday.
The operation, which began at 8am until 4pm, also succeeded in shooting dead one large-sized crocodile measuring approximately 3.4 metres long.
Commander of State Marine Police Region Four Sabah, Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Ariffin, said the operation was conducted in several areas to ensure the safety of residents around the operation site from the threat of the reptiles.
"We conducted operations around the Lahad Datu Marine Police Base Jetty, the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) maritime area, Sungai Sabah Baru, Kampung Puyut, Sungai Sapagaya, and Tabanak.
"The operation successfully shot dead three crocodiles, one of which was a large-sized crocodile measuring 3.4 metres long.
"All crocodiles brought ashore were handed over to the Lahad Datu Wildlife Department for further action," he said when contacted today.
He said the operation was carried out to control the crocodile population and reduce attacks on humans and crocodile attack cases in the waters of Lahad Datu.
According to him, the operation was joined by the Lahad Datu District Police Headquarters (IPD), Civil Defence Force (APM), Wildlife Department, Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), General Operations Force (PGA) Battalion 17, District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD), and Lahad Datu District Council (MDLD).
"The operation went smoothly, and there were no undesirable incidents," he said, adding that the overall operation ended at 4pm.