Reports of crocodile sightings near Pulau Ubin emerged in early April, and the National Parks Board put up warning signs along the island’s coastlines and near mangroves. [1] On April 21, The Straits Times visited the island and saw multiple warning signs, but no crocodiles that day. [1]
The sightings followed a March 31 report by Lianhe Zaobao that said some residents had spotted crocodiles in mangroves and swampy areas. [1] The Straits Times later reported that other residents said they were unfazed and had never seen crocodiles on the island. [1]
One resident, Mr Lim Chye Hee, said, “What is there to be afraid of? The crocodiles here will probably run away first when they see you,” and added that it is “very hard to spot crocodiles here,” though fishermen or crab catchers may have encountered them. [1] Another resident, Lim Cheng Tek, said, “I’ve been here for almost 70 years and I have never seen a crocodile.” [1]
NParks said it assesses the risk to public safety when reptiles are sighted around Singapore and uses measures including relocation, culling, fencing and signage to reduce crocodile risks. [1] Saltwater crocodiles are native to Singapore, are critically endangered locally, can grow to over 6 metres and can sometimes attack humans. [1]
