SADONG JAYA: Simunjan state assemblyman, Awla Dris, has called for more aggressive action by relevant authorities to cull crocodiles in Batang Sadong river following a rise in reptile-related incidents that have threatened the safety of residents.
He said urgent and firmer measures are needed, especially as many villagers depend on the river as their primary source of livelihood.
“I request that the relevant agencies carry out more aggressive action regarding crocodiles because, lately, there have been too many cases involving the Batang Sadong River area.
“More aggressive action is necessary given that most residents in this area rely on river resources as a source of livelihood,” he said when met by reporters here today.
Awla said this after visiting the Search and Rescue (SAR) Operation Incident Command Centre near the Batang Sadong Bridge to obtain updates on a crocodile attack reported on Tuesday.
In the incident at about 11 am, a 29-year-old man, Mohd Faizal Abdillah from Kampung Rangawan, Sadong Jaya, was reportedly snatched by a crocodile while in the river area.
The assemblyman’s visit was aimed at providing moral support to the rescue team and ensuring that all operational requirements were sufficient and in order.
He was briefed on the situation by the agencies involved in the integrated operation, including the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba), Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
In addition to the government agencies, members of the Samarahan Crocodile Hunter group and local villagers have also come forward to assist in efforts to locate the victim around the scene of the incident.
Awla also spent time meeting and comforting the victim’s family, offering words of encouragement to help them remain strong during the ordeal.
He presented a contribution as a gesture of concern and support throughout the duration of the operation.
At the same time, he advised the public to remain vigilant when carrying out activities in river areas or other high-risk locations and comply with all safety instructions issued by the authorities to prevent untoward incidents from recurring.
The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide updates from time to time.
