PASIR MAS: A local woman was startled to find a 1.4-meter-long crocodile emerging from a stream near her home in Lorong Masjid Tal 7, leading to community concern and a response from local authorities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ong Lian Hui, a 56-year-old resident, initially mistook the reptile for a large monitor lizard before realizing it was a crocodile. Ong quickly notified her neighbors, prompting many to come and witness the creature. Despite its initial disappearance, the crocodile reappeared at 9 a.m. and again at 3 p.m., causing Ong to worry about the safety of her dog and contact the fire and rescue department.

Ong speculated that the crocodile may have been displaced by recent floodwaters, leading it to the residential area. Meanwhile, Pasir Mas Fire and Rescue Station operations commander Adnan Muhammad Juri confirmed that an emergency call was received at 9:02 a.m. Although ten firefighters were sent to the scene, the crocodile had vanished by their arrival. The fire department plans to notify the Department of Wildlife and National Parks for further investigation and action.

Authorities are urging local residents to remain alert and to report any sightings of wild animals to ensure community safety.