By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 30: The public is strongly advised to avoid all river activities in the Sungai Paroh area here from July 1 to 13, 2025, as the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) launches a targeted operation to remove dangerous crocodiles following a recent attack incident.
According to SFC in a statement shared on its Facebook page, the operation was activated to ensure the safety of the public in the wake of the crocodile attack, with the area now identified as a high-risk zone under close surveillance.
The operation is being carried out in collaboration with the SFC SWAT team and other enforcement agencies.
The directive was issued by the Controller of Wild Life, who is also SFC’s general manager, for the immediate removal of crocodiles identified as threats.
“Operation dates have been set from July 1 to 13, 2025, and the public is advised to refrain from engaging in any river-related activities within the affected area throughout the operation period,” the statement said.
SFC will also be stepping up safety measures by installing additional crocodile danger warning signs at strategic locations and continuing its Crocodile Awareness Campaign, known as Kempen Kesedaran 3M Buaya (Mengenali, Memahami, Memulihara – Know, Understand, Preserve).
This campaign places strong emphasis on safety practices when in or near crocodile habitats.
The corporation pointed out that one of the main factors behind the increasing presence of crocodiles near human settlements is improper disposal of garbage, food waste, and animal carcasses into rivers, as well as individuals deliberately feeding crocodiles.
These practices must be stopped as they attract crocodiles and encourage them to remain near residential areas, which significantly increases the risk of attacks.
In response, SFC will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies including the District Office and the Sarawak Rivers Board to raise public awareness on the importance of keeping rivers clean and ensuring community safety.
The public is reminded to remain vigilant and prioritise safety when in crocodile habitats, especially at night.
Anglers and river users are encouraged to refer to the safety guidelines issued by relevant agencies, including SFC.
Any sightings of crocodiles that pose a safety threat can be reported via the Sarawak Croc Watch mobile application or directly to the SFC hotlines in Kuching at 019-885996, in Sibu at 084-349455, in Bintulu at 086-339842, and in Miri at 019-8290994.
For further enquiries, contact the Communication and Public Affairs (CPA) unit of SFC at 082-610088 or email asmahmusa@sarawakforestry.com.
It was reported that the body of a 32-year-old man, believed to have been attacked by a crocodile while fishing near a river along Jalan Matang-Kampung Paroh, had been recovered.
The victim, identified as Jacob Tuan, was found at around 12.30pm on Saturday (June 28) by the search and rescue (SAR) team, approximately 300 metres from where he was last seen.
The incident was reported by a family member at about 10.30pm on Friday (June 27), after Jacob, who had been fishing along the riverbank roughly 200 metres from the main road, was believed to have been attacked at around 10pm. — DayakDaily
