By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, Aug 15: A total of 70 crocodile hunting licences have been issued across Sarawak as of last week, with the Miri Division recording the highest number, particularly along the Baram River.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, a Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) wildlife officer from the crocodile management section, Dr Mohd Izwan Zulaini Abdul Gani, said the issuance of the licences was one of the measures taken to manage the crocodile population, particularly in areas with a high incidence of human-crocodile conflict.
“The focus on the Baram River takes into account the river’s vast area, stretching from Kuala Baram to Marudi.
“Besides Miri, hunting licences have also been issued in several other areas, including around Sibu, the Rejang River, Bintulu and Tatau, as well as the Sarawak River in Kuching,” he said when met by the media during an iguana capture and control operation at Taman Bulatan here on Wednesday (Aug 12).
He also said licensed hunters had caught more than 100 crocodiles throughout Sarawak in the first half of this year.
“The number exceeds 200 when combined with captures carried out by SFC teams as part of crocodile management operations,” he said.
Dr Mohd Izwan said licensed hunters’ involvement was important in helping SFC address human-crocodile conflicts, particularly after the agency handled more than 850 crocodile-related cases between 2023 and 2025.
“SFC handled more than 850 cases involving crocodiles alone between 2023 and 2025. So, we really need assistance, especially through these licence holders. While helping us, they can also benefit economically,” he said.
He said the priority for licence issuance was local hunters, particularly those operating in high-risk areas.
“Each licence issued also stipulates a catch quota and specific operating areas to ensure hunting activities are carried out in a controlled manner and focused on locations requiring management,” he explained.
He said human settlements were also prioritised in licence issuance, as many crocodile captures occurred in such areas.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohd Izwan said most licensed hunters also held licences to sell their catch, giving them economic benefits.
He said most hunters handled and sold their catch themselves, including to the restaurant market, while some restaurant operators also held the relevant licences.
SFC has also held engagement sessions with crocodile hunting licence holders in Bintulu, Sibu, and Miri, with the final session scheduled for Kuching. — DayakDaily
