KUCHING: Five potential sites across Sarawak have been earmarked to be crocodile sanctuaries as part of a statewide effort to manage human-crocodile conflict while enhancing ecotourism.
Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the proposed locations are Kuching Wetland National Park, Pulau Seduku, Rajang National Park, Sibuti and either Lawas or Limbang.
“These are areas where we can safely remove crocodiles from zones where they may pose a danger to people.
“In Sarawak, rivers are still essential for daily life and livelihoods, unlike in countries like Australia where they are used mainly for leisure.
“That’s why we must find a balance between crocodile conservation and human safety,” he said during a press conference after officiating the tree planting programme held in conjunction with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, observed globally on July 26 at Lemidin river, Kuching Wetland National Park here Monday (July 28).
He added that the sanctuary proposed for Kuching Wetland is currently under assessment and will serve as the main centre with five core objectives: crocodile relocation, tourism, research and development (R&D), education, and community engagement.
“Other sites will be for crocodile removal only, with minimal facilities, just a fenced area. So yes, they can be implemented simultaneously without needing to transport crocodiles to Kuching.
“For instance, crocodiles in Sibuti or Limbang can be relocated locally.
“Currently, we have Jong’s Crocodile Farm, but we want to expand this kind of centre to give it a more meaningful contribution to society so that people understand what role crocodiles play in our ecosystem,” he added.
He said the proposed site in Kuching will cover about 100 acres and will be fully fenced for safety, divided into two zones: a conservation area open to visitors and a habitat where crocodiles can roam freely.
“If it’s too small, it wouldn’t be ideal. The area must resemble their natural habitat.
“We’ll conduct community engagement first to address any local concerns. People living nearby may object, so we must explain the purpose and safety measures,” he said.
As for the project timeline, Len Talif said the sanctuary will be implemented as soon as possible.
“The urgency has increased in recent years. We already have the green light from the government and funds set aside.
“The first step is to build the fence, followed by community engagement and the development of visitor facilities.
“In future, we may also sell crocodile products like bags, shoes, and belts, a big business opportunity,” he said.
Earlier, Len Talif officiated a symbolic tree-planting ceremony involving the replanting of 10 saplings at Kuching Wetland National Park, symbolising the strategic collaboration between SFC and Mubadala Energy.
The programme, held at the Ramsar-listed Sungai Lemidin area, stems from a partnership agreement signed in Abu Dhabi on Nov 7 last year, which aims to restore two hectares of degraded mangrove ecosystems through the planting of 2000 trees.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 and the longer-term SDG 2050 vision for a just, inclusive, and nature-positive future.
It also supports Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which prioritises environmental sustainability, inclusive development, and the green economy.
