KUCHING, Feb 1: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) recently organised crocodile handling courses to tackle issues arising from crocodile-related conflicts in different parts of Sarawak.
SFC stated in a Facebook post today that the training, which took place at its Sibu Regional Office from January 31 to February 1, aimed to improve existing procedures and included elements of public speaking for all participants.
SFC also urged residents who have been affected by the presence of crocodiles to remain vigilant and follow the advice of SFC enforcement officers.
As Sarawak’s crocodile population grew from 13,500 in 2014 to 24,700 in 2023, the persistent challenge of crocodile-human conflicts or attacks remained constant over the past decade, with no significant upswing or downturn, with the highest recorded number of fatalities being nine in 2021.
SFC’s Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) and Wildlife Enforcement executive Dr Mohd Izwan Zulaini Abdul Ghani highlighted that these figures are based on surveys conducted between 2012 and 2014 compared 2021 and 2023, along main rivers in Sarawak including Samarahan, Santubong, Bako, Suai, Lupar and Sadong. — DayakDaily
