By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 20: The Sarawak government has been urged to intensify targeted crocodile relocation and population control in light of the rising number of crocodile attack cases in the State.
Habitat for Indigenous and Urban Programme (Hidup) president George Young Si Ricord Junior said in areas where crocodiles frequently interact with humans, relocation programmes must be intensified.
“Where relocation is not feasible, controlled population management should be considered to prevent further loss of life,” he said in a recent statement.
His statement came following the rising incidents of crocodile attacks in Sarawak including the tragic case of six-year-old Cicilia Julan Intik, who was snatched by a crocodile in Tatau on Wednesday (Sept 18).
He stressed that crocodile attacks are no longer isolated incidents with attacks reported almost every other day, leading to an imbalance between human safety and wildlife management.
Apart from targeted crocodile relocation and population control, Young said the Sarawak government should establish no-swim zones and restrictions on human activity in high-risk areas to mitigate chances of attacks.
“We must invest in better infrastructure to keep human habitats safe while maintaining the necessary natural ecosystems,” he added.
He also said the government can introduce sustainable eco-tourism initiatives where safety measures can be funded through capitalization on crocodile conservation success – through controlled eco-tourism, organised hunt parties – promoting awareness and funding ongoing safety measures in affected areas.
“Hidup stands ready to collaborate with authorities, experts, and communities to implement these measures.
“While conservation is vital, the protection of human life is paramount. It is time for an urgent response to prevent further tragedies like the one that befell Cicilia Julan Intik and so many others,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
