KUCHING: Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) has yet to issue any licences to cull and export crocodiles in the state, but is currently processing 50 applications.
The applications would have to abide by the criteria set by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) before the licences can be issued, FDS deputy director Jack Liam told reporters yesterday after officiating at a course for the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686).
Jack was representing Director of Forests Sapuan Ahmad at the function which was attended by some 80 participants representing 15 government agencies and departments.
He said it was permitted for the public, especially those living near rivers, to kill crocodiles if the reptiles posed a threat but a report must be made to the department in view of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Jack said about 941,000 hectares have been gazetted as Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) from the total one million hectares targeted by the state government.
