KUANTAN: The estuarine crocodile or buaya tembaga spotted roaming through a flooded road near Kampung Sri Damai here on Monday had swam out of the nearby Sungai Air Hitam here which burst its banks due to heavy downpour.
Pahang Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Rozidan Md Yasin said Sungai Air Hitam is a tributary that flows into Sungai Belat which is widely known to be a habitat for crocodiles.
"The video on the crocodile sighting went viral about midnight on Monday when the river water overflowed and inundated Jalan Kampung Air Hitam. Perhilitan rangers visited and monitored the area yesterday but the reptile was nowhere to be seen.
"Nearby villagers and motorists using the stretch are reminded to be always on the alert as the tributary is the habitat for the crocodile which was spotted on the road. Avoid going near the river, wading through flood waters or provoking the wildlife," he said in a statement today.
Rozidan said the floods and high tides would usually result in the rivers to become swollen and burst its banks making it easier for the reptiles to move from their natural habitats.
Yesterday, a 30-second viral video, showing an adult crocodile wading slowly through the water in the middle of the road at Jalan Air Hitam before moving towards nearby bushes after realising the presence of a vehicle along the stretch.
Meanwhile, Rozidan warned the public to avoid organising activities near Sungai Belat and Sungai Kuantan, or getting too close to the river which is a habitat for crocodiles.
"Do not get close to the crocodile nest or attemp the capture the juvenile crocodile. Mother crocodiles will usually guard the nest and hatchlings, and will turn aggressive if people disturb the nest or eggs.
"Use flash lights when we're in the water(river) at night as the crocodile eyes will reflect the light back and it will be easy to spot their presence. Scare away crocodiles by making loud noises and usually in the water, the boat engine sound will keep them away," he said.
He said the housing settlements near Sungai Belat includes Sri Damai, Jalan Air Hitam, Inderapura Kampung Razali, Sungai Isap, Kampung Belukar and Kampung Kurnia while the residential areas near Sungai Kuantan includes Kampung Belukar, Kampung Kurnia and Kampung Jawa(canal).
Rozidan cautioned those who spot crocodiles not to take matters into their own hands and contact Perhilitan at 09-5733811 or the department's hotline at 1-800-88-5151 for assistance.