THE state government is studying ways to prevent crocodile attacks on humans, especially the fishing community, along the rivers and coastal areas.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the government is concerned about the safety of the people since the number of crocodile attacks is on the increase.
“The conservation of crocodiles, which are a protected species, is a positive sign as their population has increased significantly.
“However, at the same time, conflict between crocodiles and humans has increased,” said the deputy minister.
He was replying to Kabong assemblyman Mohd Chee Kadir who wanted to know the steps taken by the state government to eliminate crocodile threats.
Len said a new comprehensive management plan has been planned to prevent crocodiles threats to humans.
“Among the plans we are focusing on are to continue the conservation of crocodiles and their habitats, the safety of the communities are guaranteed and utilise the reptile as a natural resource sustainably,” he said.
Apart from that, he said actions have been taken as well to prevent crocodile attacks throughout the state.
From 2020 to this year, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) conducted 107 operations where 95 crocodiles were caught and 482 crocodile eggs have been moved.
“From 2020 to last year, about 77 crocodile hunting licences have been issued where 133 crocodiles were ‘harvested’.
“We also have the 3M (Mengetahui, Memahami dan Memulihara) crocodile awareness programme organised in areas prone to crocodile presence.
“Other than that, crocodile warning signs have been placed in strategic areas,” added Len.
