The reptile was spotted relaxing on the Sungai Juru riverbank, close to Kampung Sungai Semilang, about 10am.
By 10.20am, Bandar Perda Fire and Rescue Department personnel had captured the crocodile with the assistance of volunteer firemen, Civil Defence officials and policemen.
The reptile was later sent to the Penang Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).
State Perhilitan director Mohamad Hafid Rohani said the crocodile was old and reaching the end of its lifespan.
He said this was evident when the crocodile remained motionless even when the firemen approached it.
Hafid said age had likely made the reptile non-responsive.
He said the reptile would be tested for disease and health issues at the Perhilitan facility.
“We will decide whether we should nurse it back to health for release back into its natural habitat,” Hafid told FMT.
He said Sungai Juru was the natural habitat of crocodiles, and it was common to see the reptiles emerge to sun themselves or when they were injured.
He said signs warning people to stay clear of the area had been placed along the river by Perhilitan.