Why PUB launched a crocodile search: AI checks on image were inconclusive

PUB has explained why it launched search operations following a reported crocodile sighting at Pandan Reservoir, saying that attempts to verify the authenticity of an image using several AI-checking tools produced "inconclusive" results.In a Facebook post, the national water agency said the image had been flagged by the supervisor of a worker employed by its reservoir maintenance contractor."The man is a worker employed by PUB's reservoir maintenance contractor. His supervisor had alerted PUB to the image on Aug 20, 2026," the agency said."We immediately attempted to verify the authenticity of the image using various AI checker tools, but the results were inconclusive. Hence, in the interest of public safety, PUB acted quickly and took the necessary precautionary measures."According to PUB, it was unable to determine whether the image was AI-generated and, together with the National Parks Board (NParks), deployed resources to conduct search-and-capture operations in the area as a precaution.The agency added that once it was established that the image was fake, it made a police report.