By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Sept 20: The Sarawak government is considering using advanced technology, such as underwater cameras, to detect crocodiles, as is being done in Australia, but implementation will take time.
According to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the use of such advanced technology would also require people to adapt to it.
“Maybe we can head in that direction, but it takes time and awareness,” he said during a doorstep interview, in which the recording was made available to the media, following his visit to the family of 32-year-old Ahmad Alzakri Sudin who is feared to have been attacked by a crocodile while casting nets along Sungai Lubok Punggor near Kampung Lubok Punggor, Samarahan, on Sept 15.
In the interview, the Premier expressed his sympathy over the incident, noting that two crocodile attacks had occurred this week, including the Sept 18 case of a 12-year-old boy who was killed while fishing in a river near Kampung Empila.
“We have operations that allow for the culling of crocodiles during certain periods. However, based on feedback, some people are against it due to their beliefs and ‘adat’ (customs),” he said.
He said a team has been sent to Australia to study crocodile population management. The Premier also noted that Australia has sanctuaries managed by crocodile experts, and studies show that while some crocodiles are aggressive, others are not.
“We have thought about making a sanctuary, but we also have to consider where we want to set it up,” he said.
He added that the Sarawak government, through the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), is reviewing the findings of the study before deciding on the next course of action.
He added that in Darwin, there are cattle farming areas that coexist with crocodiles without disturbance, which he said showed that the reptiles have their own instincts, and therefore, needed to be understood through further research.
Abang Johari also believed that the increase in the crocodile population is linked to infrastructure development, as the construction of more roads has reduced reliance on water transport such as ferries and boats.
“This causes the river to become calmer, allowing crocodiles to breed,” he said, adding that the reptiles are known to lay many eggs.
Meanwhile, acknowledging that many still depend on rivers for their livelihood, mainly through fishing, he suggested that fishermen use larger boats to reduce the risk of crocodile attacks.
On Sept 15, Ahmad went out early in the morning with his family members to catch freshwater prawns using a small boat.
The incident was reported to have occurred at about 4pm when the victim was suddenly attacked by a crocodile about 200 metres from the village riverbank. Villagers immediately searched but failed to locate him before alerting Bomba at 5.56pm.
The search and rescue (SAR) operation entered its sixth day today. — DayakDaily
