A 1.5M-LONG crocodile was spotted on the beach at Tanjung Kubong near Labuan’s historical Gedung Ubat this morning, said the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).

It said the animal had likely “broken out” of the Kina Benuwa Mangrove Park.

The creature was discovered about 6.50am by an angler who was heading out to sea.

A Labuan Perhilitan officer told Bernama that checks will be conducted in the area tomorrow, and signs will be put up to warn beachgoers of the reptile.

“The crocodile might have been sunning itself on the beach or hunting for food when it was spotted. It might also be the one found in the Kina Benuwa Mangrove Park in the middle of this year.”

It is the third crocodile sighting in Labuan this year.

On January 1, a 1.8m-long saltwater crocodile was spotted at Pantai Mawilla, which is popular with picnickers. The animal was killed by anglers, who feared it would attack children.

The second sighting was on July 3 at the Kina Benuwa Mangrove Ecology Park. – Bernama, December 25, 2019.