BY ELLISIA TINGASS
KUCHING: While it is still taboo among the Bidayuh community when it comes to eating crocodile meat, there are some who consider the meat a delicacy.
According to a Bidayuh legend called Tayung Ngaringcrocodile meat, she met a crocodile in distress and she helped to remove a piece of wood stuck in the crocodile’s mouth.
That was the condition for crocodiles not attacking the Bidayuh people – so says the legend.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to some Bidayuhs, especially the younger generation, to gauge their opinion on the matter.
Angelia Teddy, 23, Student
“Personally, I do not eat crocodile meat because according to our ancestors, if someone eats the meat then they cannot go to the river as it is believed that crocodiles might attack them.
“But nowadays people, especially the younger generation, would see this as a myth.
“However, my relatives do consume crocodile meat and they say it tastes like pork.
Jesephin Coneria Jookee, 23, Student
“Well, I personally do not eat crocodile meat and never intend to.
“The reason is that the elders in my family believe that if we eat crocodile meat, something bad might happen to us if we are in the river as the crocodiles can sense this and might take revenge for eating their kind.
“Although I do not fully believe in this taboo, I still respect the belief and will never eat crocodile meat.
“We have no idea what will happen to our body if we eat this kind of reptile meat so it is better to eat other food.”
Vanessa Shellen Silby, 23, Student
“From my perspective, I do not believe that legendary stories exist. But, that does not mean that I do not believe other legendary stories, for instance, the legend of Princess Santubong and Princess Sejinjang.
“But, if I get a chance to eat exotic food, I would rather eat edible food than eat crocodile meat.
“I read some articles that stated that eating crocodile meat can cause certain diseases.”
Paul Dannieca Olando, 35, Chef
“Actually, I do not know about this taboo but since my elders have talked about this, so I do not think that I would consume crocodile meat.
“I do eat exotic food but if it is crocodile meat, I think I would give it a pass.
“So, to those who see it as a delicacy, I think it is new to me. It might be a new experience and can possibly boost our local food cuisine to the international market.”
