KUCHING: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has issued 70 permits for crocodile hunting but the majority have not been activated or used.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh said that the reasons behind the inactivity of these permits remain unclear but expressed SFC’s commitment to support such an initiative.
“Regardless of the reasons, we remain committed to supporting any individual or organisation that applies for a crocodile hunting permit,” he said when met by the media today, in response to a fatal crocodile attack that occurred on June 27.
He added that the government welcomes interest in the crocodile-based industry, including farming for leather and meat, as long as it complies with existing guidelines.
He noted that crocodile-related incidents have been reported across Sarawak over the past several years.
“We already have a Crocodile Management Plan, which, among other things, identifies high-risk areas for potential conversion into crocodile sanctuaries.
“Some of these identified areas include Kuching Wetlands in the south, Suduku Island in the Sri Aman region, Rajang Bako National Park in central Sarawak, and the Sibuti area in the north,” he explained.
At the same time, SFC has also been carrying out crocodile-culling activities in specific areas, he said.
“Our crocodile management efforts are deliberately not widely publicised, as such topics may cause discomfort among certain communities,” he said.
He also encouraged the public to download and use the government-developed Sarawak CrocWatch app to report sightings or encounters with crocodiles in public areas.
“This app allows users to identify high-risk zones and avoid areas that could pose a threat,” he said.
On the estimated crocodile population of over 25,000 in Sarawak last year, Len said the number is likely to keep increasing.
“Crocodile populations are hard to control because they have no natural predators except humans, and their lifespan can reach between 60 and 100 years.
“This is why we have implemented a management plan to relocate crocodiles from high-risk areas to designated sanctuaries,” he said.
Commenting on recent sightings and attacks in populated areas like Batu Kawah, he said the government has adopted a three-pronged approach.
“First, by educating and raising awareness among local communities about crocodile threats; second, by identifying high-risk areas through the CrocWatch app; and third, by relocating detected crocodiles to designated sanctuaries,” he said.
He also advised residents, especially those living near rivers, to remain vigilant and prioritise safety in their daily activities.
