Photo was provided in relation to reported ‘crocodile sighting’ in Pandan Reservoir: PUB
After being alerted to a supposed crocodile sighting in Pandan Reservoir, national water agency PUB has said the photo it was provided was fake.
The agency has made a police report, said PUB in a Facebook post on Friday (21 Aug) night.
Source: Google Maps
Crocodile photo confirmed to be fake after investigation
PUB had said on Thursday (20 Aug) that it was alerted to the “crocodile sighting” at about 3pm that day.
It was provided with a photo of a reptile likely to be an estuarine crocodile, known to be found in the Straits of Johor and the Straits of Singapore.
Source: National Parks Board
However, after further investigation, PUB confirmed that the photo was fake.
PUB takes ‘serious view’ of false info
To that end, search operations, which had commenced after the alert, have ceased, PUB said.
Instead, the agency has made a police report, saying:
PUB takes a serious view of false information that may cause public alarm and disrupt activities.
In response to queries from MS News, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.
Water activities in Pandan Reservoir were suspended
Due to the alert, all water activities in Pandan Reservoir had been suspended.
This included those conducted by the Singapore Rowing Association (SRA) and Singapore Canoe Federation (SCF), which operates a public paddling centre at Pandan Reservoir.
Source: Google Maps
Water activities would now resume on Saturday (22 Aug), PUB told Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
Estuarine crocodiles are the world’s largest crocodiles
According to NParks’ website, estuarine crocodiles are the world’s largest crocodile species, with lengths of up to 7m.
Also known as saltwater crocodiles, they typically live in brackish and freshwater environments such as coastal areas and wetlands.
As they often remain submerged, they are difficult to detect. They are also well camouflaged on land due to their brown hides.
Also read: Changi Naval Base soldiers spot crocodile in nearby waters, question if it’s the Sentosa visitor
Changi Naval Base soldiers spot crocodile in nearby waters, question if it’s the Sentosa visitor
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Featured images adapted from Google Maps.
