Eight hours after it was captured at Limbang industrial area, the four meter-long crocodile was released back into its original habitat at Jalan Kubong, Pandaruan.

Limbang Fire and Rescue department chief Tawang Lingem said the decision was taken after consulting the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).

"The officials began working on releasing the crocodile back to its habitat at about 1.10am," he said.

This morning, the town folks were shocked and terrified when they found the crocodile roaming freely on the road in the area, believe to be hunting for food.

The authorities who were informed on the presence of the crocodile then rushed to the scene at about 7.36am. They took about 30minutes to capture the reptile.