TATAU: Two large crocodiles were successfully captured with the help of a seasoned reptile handler in a desperate bid to find the remains of a young girl who was believed to have been devoured by one of them.
Indet Senabong, a renowned crocodile expert from Rumah William Beragung, Paku, Betong, was brought in to assist local authorities in the search for Cicilia Julan Intik, 6, who went missing while bathing with her family in Kampung Seberang Pasar Lama on Sept 18.
The first reptile, a massive 17-foot-long creature weighing an estimated two tons, was captured around 9.30 am in Sungai Sap, Batang Annau.
A second crocodile was caught later that afternoon, around 1.30 pm.
Both were apprehended using a traditional technique known as “mata alir,” which involves using pork bait to lure the reptiles.
The family of the young victim had turned to Indet after extensive searches by local authorities and residents proved fruitless.
According to Indet, the “point of flow” technique used can help determine whether a captured crocodile is a human-eater.
“If the crocodile eats the bait, it means it can also eat humans,” he said.
A dissection of the first crocodile’s stomach revealed four teeth, strengthening Indet’s belief that the reptile may have been responsible for the tragic incident.
The search and rescue operation, which began immediately after Cicilia’s disappearance, was halted on Wednesday (Sept 25), after eight days of fruitless searching.
Authorities continue to investigate and monitor the area to ensure the safety of local residents.
