DATUK Mohd Chee Kadir (GPS-Kabung) voiced concerns about the growing crocodile threat faced by residents in his constituency during his support for the Supply Bill 2025 today (Nov 15).
In his speech, he said that the increasing crocodile population in Kabong has intensified the risk of human-crocodile conflicts.
“Fishermen who rely on rivers for their livelihood are now plagued by fear, which in turn affects their income,” he added.
In the same debate, he also raised concerns about coastal fishermen whose livelihoods are being disrupted by trawler net activities that disregard regulations set by the Department of Fisheries.
He also highlighted residents’ worries over sand dredging activities along Kabong’s coastline, which are feared to threaten the area’s ecosystem.
“The government and relevant agencies must monitor and halt sand dredging activities along Kabong’s coastal waters while taking action against trawler vessels operating without permits,” he added.
He expressed hope that these issues would receive serious attention from the state government to ensure the welfare of Kabong residents and the sustainability of the environment.
He proposed that residents, particularly members of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), be granted licences to hunt or capture crocodiles as a measure to control the reptile population.
He also underscored the urgent need to establish the position of Pemanca for the Malay and Iban communities in Kabong.
He noted that there are currently seven Penghulu serving in Kabong, representing the Malay, Iban, and Chinese communities. An application to create the Pemanca positions was submitted on February 21, 2023, but no decision has been made by the Sarawak State Secretary.
“The establishment of the Pemanca position will facilitate community affairs and strengthen administrative systems at the grassroots level,” he said, urging for prompt approval.
