MELAKA: A hungry crocodile which was spotted attacking a monitor lizard in the Melaka River this morning, raising concerns among local residents.
The incident occurred around 9am and caused panic among visitors who were shocked to witness the three-metre-long reptile's violent attack near the pedestrian area close to Kampung Morten.
A one-minute video recorded by a resident has since gone viral, showing the crocodile swimming and pursuing the large monitor lizard before launching its attack.
Mohd Daud Mohd, 56, a Kampung Morten resident, expressed his alarm over the situation and urged authorities to take swift action.
"This is the first time I've seen a crocodile in this river attack and consume a monitor lizard. It seems this crocodile is becoming more aggressive, and I worry it might attack humans next," he said.
He also noted concerns that the crocodile could come ashore, particularly near the pedestrian area in front of a nearby shopping center, which is low-lying and surrounded by mangrove trees.
Director of the Melaka Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) Petra Sulai, said that an immediate investigation and monitoring efforts will be conducted at the site.