KOTA KINABALU: Crocodiles rarely attack scuba divers, experienced diver Richard Swann said.
Swann, five-star Padi Platinum course director who had been diving off Sabah waters for 24 years, said people also tend to fear matters they do not understand.
He is referring to viral videos and images of crocodiles spotted at the coastal areas of the state capital.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, which is located about 3km offshore from the city, covers an area of 50 sq km comprising five islands, their surrounding reefs and sea. The park offers great diving spots and water activities for tourists.
"It is always important to study behaviour then we understand the risks (that the crocodiles could pose).
"Generally, it's important to take note a few factors. People are generally not their preferred food.
"If a large animal, about 3m (in length) or more, then yes, they present a potential danger. However, it is still very unlikely they would attack a diver.
"They would usually hunt in areas divers do not go such as shallow mangrove and rivers. They would rather swim away from us as they have little interest," he said, adding that despite seeing the reptiles a few times in many years at the sea, there were no untoward incidents.
Swann said problems related to crocodile attacks were mostly reported at the rivers. He said fishermen in shallow areas were more at risk.
When asked whether the crocodile sightings would affect their operations, the dive centre managing director said his company did not receive any enquiry from their clients.
"Divers are generally quite educated and understanding of marine life, so they are seldom put off by reports.
"(Foreign) tourists do not usually read local news so much, hence, cancellation and questions are not much of an issue."