KUCHING: Claims that the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has failed to act appropriately on crocodile presence in high-risk areas are inaccurate.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh said various proactive measures have been and are being implemented, including continuous monitoring, crocodile relocation, and population control operations at specific locations to ensure public safety.
“To date, more than 70 permits have been issued for crocodile management and control purposes in Sarawak, demonstrating the authorities’ sustained action in addressing this issue.
“Every action taken is based on risk assessment and on-the-ground requirements at the time, including in residential areas,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters at the Shell LiveWire Sarawak 2026 Awards Presentation Ceremony at TEGAS Digital Village here on Friday (June 19).
Commenting on a viral video showing a crocodile in the Kuching riverbank area recently, he said SFC had taken immediate action as the area is a gazetted crocodile-free zone.
“We have also identified several strategic locations for the relocation of captured crocodiles, including Kuching Wetlands, which will be developed into a special protected area covering approximately 100 acres.
“Crocodiles captured in residential areas will be relocated to fully controlled protected zones that have been identified,” he said.
Elaborating further, he said other identified locations include Pulau Seduku or Batang Lupar, and Rajang National Park for the central region, while for the northern region, the areas involved are Sibuti, Lawas and Limbang.
He noted, however, that these measures have not been widely publicised as they need to take into account public sensitivities and the views of various parties, including organisations and wildlife conservationists.
“If there are reports of crocodile presence in residential areas such as villages or longhouses, appropriate action will be taken, either through relocation or population control operations as needed.
“What matters most is that public safety remains a priority, and the community needs to stay alert to warnings and risks present in certain areas,” he explained.
Meanwhile, he said SFC is also carrying out ongoing public awareness efforts.
“This is done through the installation of warning signs and the use of the Sarawak CrocWatch app, which allows the public to report crocodile sightings immediately.
“What’s important is that public safety always comes first, and every report will be acted accordingly,” he said.
