By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Dec 13: Sarawak is planning to establish five crocodile sanctuaries, including one in Kuching, to improve public safety and address human–crocodile conflicts.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the sanctuaries are currently in the planning stage and will be developed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
“One will be in Kuching, while another will be in Sri Aman, possibly along Batang Lupar. The third site in Batang Rajang at Rajang Mangrove National Park, as well as locations in Limbang or Lawas.
“These are still in the planning phase, but will be implemented. Funding has already been approved, and God willing, we will be able to set up one in Kuching soon,” he said to the media after officiating the Sustainability Within, Green Earth Beyond 2025 programme at Surau Darul Hijrah here today.
When addressing concerns over crocodile sightings during the recent floods in Sarawak, Len Talif said authorities are taking ongoing crocodile and wildlife management measures, including plans to establish sanctuaries where animals can be safely relocated, though these efforts have not been widely publicised.
“In Sarawak, many people still rely on rivers for their daily livelihoods. We understand this, and it is important to raise awareness about the presence of crocodiles.
“That is why we set up Sarawak Croc Watch, so that people can know where crocodiles are located and better understand the situation across the State.
“We have developed the Sarawak Croc Watch app so that everyone can download it and know which rivers in Sarawak have crocodiles, allowing them to avoid those areas,” he added.
He said the platform allows the public to identify rivers with crocodile presence so they can take precautions and avoid high-risk areas. — DayakDaily
