TATAU: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has received a total of 108 complaints related to crocodiles in the Bintulu area from 2020 to 2023, with eight complaints specifically reported from this area.
Deputy Controller of Wildlife at SFC, Madhan Kiflie, stated that of the 108 complaints, there were five cases of crocodile attacks, including three cases that resulted in fatalities.
He mentioned that all three crocodile attack incidents occurred in the Tatau District.
“These complaints indicate an increasing interaction between crocodiles and humans, particularly in river areas near settlements.
“SFC takes every complaint seriously and conducts crocodile population control operations to ensure the safety of residents,” he explained.
Madhan made these remarks during the 3M Crocodile Programme (Recognising, Understanding, and Conserving Crocodiles), which took place from October 22 to 23 at the Tatau District Mosque.
He further noted that the programme aims to raise public awareness about managing crocodile populations that pose risks to human safety while ensuring the continuity of the natural ecosystem.
Approximately 150 local residents and various government agencies attended the programme, including Tatau District Officer, Jabang Juntan, and acting manager of SFC Bintulu Region, Louis Velda.
The activities included a talk titled “Recognising, Understanding, and Conserving Crocodiles,” delivered by the head of the Crocodile Management Section, Enforcement and Protection Division of SFC, Dr. Mohd Izwan Zulaini.
This programme was held following an incident on September 18, 2024, in which a six-year-old child was believed to have been attacked by a crocodile while bathing in the Anap River.
Previously, SFC had carried out operations to capture crocodiles and successfully caught two dangerous reptiles in the area on September 27.
