SRI AMAN: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has launched an investigation into claims of a whale carcass sighting near Pulau Seduku here after a video of the alleged discovery went viral on social media.
In a Facebook statement, the corporation said that despite extensive search efforts, no carcass has been found in the area.
According to SFC, the incident was first reported by fishermen from Sebuyau, who spotted the whale near the Triso-Sebuyau Bridge during low tide around 10 am on Nov 19.
“The fishermen promptly shared the video with the Lingga District Officer.
“Acting swiftly, SFC deployed a surveillance team at 7 am to search the area from Bakong to Tanjung Bijat.
“At 10 am, updated information from Sebuyau fishermen redirected the search to Kuala Triso,” the statement said.
By then, SFC added, the carcass was believed to have drifted further out to sea, complicating efforts to locate it.
Adding to the challenge, heavy rain and strong currents prevented a search boat from Bomba Sebuyau, which joined the operation at the Triso Ferry Jetty, from venturing further.
SFC has expressed its gratitude to all agencies involved in the response, including the Lingga District Office, Sebuyau Sub-District Office, Sri Aman Resident’s Office, Museum Department, Lingga Police Station, and Bomba Sebuyau.
During a discussion following the incident, it was agreed that local community leaders would be engaged to monitor and report any future sightings of stranded whales.
Bomba has also pledged to conduct additional surveillance along beaches and coastal areas while SFC ranger posts in the region remain on standby for similar incidents.
The corporation emphasised the importance of public cooperation in monitoring wildlife and urged individuals to report sightings to local authorities or directly to SFC.
“The corporation appreciates the collaborative efforts of local communities, district offices, and Bomba in addressing this incident and ensuring a coordinated response,” the statement added.
