2m-long crocodile caught 'loitering' outside shopping mall in Malaysia

The 55kg reptile is believed to have come from a nearby monsoon drain. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

KOTA KINABALU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A 2m-long crocodile was caught "loitering" in front of the Karamunsing shopping complex in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, early on Saturday (Nov 5).

A passer-by, who initially thought that the reptile was a large monitor lizard, alerted the Civil Defence Department (JPAM) after he realised it was a crocodile.

Sabah JPAM director Col Mulliadi Al Hamdi Ladin said they were alerted to the reptile at about 2am and managed to capture it in just three minutes.

"The 55kg reptile, which was believed to have come from a nearby monsoon drain, was quite aggressive," he said when contacted.

The reptile was brought back to the JPAM office before it was surrendered to wildlife officials.

No one was injured in the incident.

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