NParks Monitoring Incident of Escaped Crocodiles from Batam As They Could Come to S’pore

By
Ong Weimin
-

Picture this.

You’re having a blast with your girlfriend pumping to the beat of the live music at Siloso Beach’s beach bar without a care in the world, soaking up everything the sun, sand, and sea have to offer.

The next thing you know, something green and gnarly slowly swims into view from the deceptively calm waters. Its beady eyes seem to observe your every movement, and as it moves closer, alarm bells start ringing in your head.

The late Steve Irwin suddenly comes to mind, but unfortunately, you’re no famous crocodile hunter, and you’re not imagining that menacing-looking crocodile either, as unthinkable as it sounds.

I mean, crocodiles on Sentosa Island, instead of Mandai Zoo where they should be? Seriously?

Escaped Crocodiles From Batam Farm Still on the Loose

Remember that monsoon surge from 10 to 13 January 2025 that saw you rejoicing over sweater weather and cursing over knee-deep water?

If you’ve forgotten, watch this video for a recap:

Turns out that our neighbour, Batam, Indonesia, also experienced heavy rainfall. 

Tommy Steven Sinambela, Head of the Conservation Section for Batam Region II at the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Centre, confirmed that “two points, each roughly 70 metres long” of a breeding pond embankment wall on a farm there gave way, leading to the grand escape of several saltwater crocodiles.

Authorities believe that the collapse was due to three consecutive days of heavy downpours that caused excessive water levels and flooding.

Unfortunately, the exact number of crocodiles that broke free from the farm remains unclear. However, Mohammad Safet, the Head of the Community Monitoring Group (POKMASWAS) for Fishermen on Bulan Island, confirmed that about 23 crocodiles have been caught since 18 January 2025.

Farm Located Around 30KM From Sentosa

To be specific, Bulan Island, where the farm is situated, sits around 30 kilometres from sunny Sentosa. Mr Kannan Raja, president of the Herpetological Society of Singapore, admitted that there was a chance that the crocodiles could find their way to Singapore from Batam.

Although he also added the possibility that it might not happen even if it could; I, for one, am not taking any chances – would you?

Back on Batam Island, coastal fishermen near the farm have ceased fishing out of fear for their safety due to sightings of the runaway crocodiles around the sea and rivers close to residential areas. According to Safet, the latest crocodile caught measures about 5 metres in size, so this behaviour certainly comes as no surprise.

Repeat – Do Not Engage

According to Mr Kannan, sightings are possible if the crocodiles do make it here past the many islets between Batam and Singapore. He advises people to back away slowly and maintain a safe distance if they find themselves in the unfortunate situation of spotting one.

They should also stay away from the edge if it is seen in the water.

How Choon Beng, NParks’ group director of wildlife management, told The Straits Times that the public should report crocodile encounters to the statutory board and be mindful of warning signs and advisory notices erected in areas with crocodile sightings. 

If you watch at least 10 minutes of brain rot content daily, you must know this:

Read Also:

Advertisements
 
Ong Weimin