TATAU, July 9 -- A giant crocodile measuring about five metres in length was captured on the first day of a joint crocodile hunting operation at Sungai Tatau on Wednesday.

The operation, covering Sungai Tatau and the Tatau estuary, was launched following repeated sightings of large crocodiles in the river and several past attacks, including one involving a primary school pupil.

A Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Bintulu spokesperson said the integrated operation brings together licensed and experienced crocodile hunters from Bintulu, Sibu, and Tatau to target nuisance crocodiles and improve public safety.

Licensed crocodile hunter Jeferry Siew from Sibu said the increasing crocodile population had made Sungai Tatau far more dangerous...