Rescuers in flood-hit Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan are on high alert for crocodiles as they carry out relief operations in areas where attacks are common.  

Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue chief Sumsoa Rashid said his team had spotted crocodiles lurking in floodwaters during rescue missions over the past two days.

“We saw crocodiles in the water with their heads above the surface. Whenever we encounter them, we stop and let them swim past,” he told the media in Lahad Datu on Friday. 

While the reptiles usually do not attack unless provoked, Sumsoa said firemen are trained to handle such risks.

“As long as we remain alert and keep our distance, we should be fine,” he said, adding that crocodiles were just one of many dangers faced during flood operations.

Strong currents, logistical challenges, and difficulties reaching victims also hamper efforts to bring people to safety, he said.

The department is working closely with the Sabah Wildlife Department to mitigate risks in high-risk areas such as Lahad Datu, Sandakan, and Kinabatangan, where the crocodiles have been spotted in flooded residential areas. – January 31, 2025