SARATOK: The government will continue to engage with community leaders and chiefs (KMKK) in Saratok District to raise awareness about the risks of human-crocodile conflicts.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri said the increasing crocodile population in Sarawak over the past nine years has heightened the risk of conflicts between humans and these dangerous reptiles.
“According to monitoring surveys conducted by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), the crocodile population has nearly doubled, from 13,500 in 2014 to approximately 25,000 last year,” he said.
“In response, the government, through the Saratok District Office and SFC, will continue engagement sessions with the KMKK and inland fishermen associations.”
He made these remarks after the Human-Crocodile Conflict Management Committee Meeting at the Saratok District Office today.
The meeting, chaired by Saratok District Officer Muhammad Dino Amid, was also attended by representatives of government agencies in Saratok District.
Mohamad explained that these engagement sessions are crucial for raising awareness and providing safety measures for people when encountering crocodiles or other wild animals.
During the meeting, the SFC also reported on several cases that had been brought to their attention, including a crocodile attack involving a longhouse resident in Malong. The victim was attacked while washing in the Malong River, prompting the launch of Ops Malong.
The SFC is currently focusing on complaints from residents about a crocodile known as Bujang Pagan in Saratok.
Mohamad noted that no action has been taken regarding Bujang Pagan for several reasons agreed upon during the meeting.
“We have considered many factors. However, the safety of residents remains our priority. That’s why we urge the KMKK to disseminate crocodile safety awareness information to their communities,” he added.
