KANOWIT: Villagers in Sungai Poi here have given their full support for a crocodile relocation operation without delay following a rise in reported threats to community safety.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) said in a Facebook statement that the consent was given during a recent dialogue session held at the Kanowit District Council.
The session was chaired by Penghulu Uding and attended by 19 tuai rumah and longhouse representatives, alongside officers from SFC’s Enforcement and Protection Division in Sibu.
SFC noted that residents raised concerns over damaged fishing nets, livestock being taken, and an attempted crocodile attack near a jetty.
Several areas along the river were identified as high-risk zones, including stretches near Nanga Gerunu Mit, Nanga Cheling, Nanga Tatai, Nanga Ayam and the Poi Bridge vicinity.
The session also included a briefing on crocodile management in Sarawak, reporting procedures via the CrocWatch system, the ‘3M’ awareness approach — Mengenali, Memahami, Memulihara (Identify, Understand, Conserve) — as well as available support in the event of wildlife attacks.
SFC said it sought the necessary customary approval to carry out the relocation operation and received strong backing from the community leaders present.
The corporation has called on residents to continue cooperating with enforcement teams and to report any sightings or incidents involving crocodiles through the CrocWatch platform.
