Fisherman nets baby crocodile in Melaka river

A routine fishing trip in Sungai Lereh, Melaka, turned into an unforgettable experience for Muhammad Rafiq Musa, 36, when his net yielded more than just fish. Instead of a large catch, he found a baby crocodile, approximately 1.5 meters long and weighing around 15 kilograms, struggling within his fishing net.

Musa initially thought his net was snagged on a large object underwater. Upon closer inspection, he realized a reptile was trapped. He described the crocodile as aggressive, attempting to bite as he worked to free it. He carefully secured its mouth with a rope and covered its head with a sack to gain control before moving it to a safe area.

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I thought the net was stuck or I had caught a big fish. When I pulled it slowly, it turned out to be a baby crocodile trapped in the net.

The presence of crocodiles in the river is not uncommon for locals and fishermen, particularly near the river mouth during low tide. However, the incident prompted a response from local officials.

Datuk Lim Ban Hong, the State Assemblyman for Klebang, emphasized the need for serious attention to natural habitat preservation. He stated that disruptions to natural habitats due to pollution and uncontrolled development force wildlife, like crocodiles, to seek new food sources and shelter, leading them into populated areas.

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I used a rope to tie its mouth first before covering its face with a sack. Only then could I control its movements and bring it to a safe area.