By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 9: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has confirmed that its Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) was promptly deployed to Kampung Pandam, Limbang, following the fatal crocodile attack yesterday evening (July 8), to assist in the search and recovery operation and carry out follow-up measures to remove the reptile responsible.
In a firm response to public concern, SFC also dismissed allegations that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government failed to act, describing such claims as completely baseless and politically motivated.
“Regarding allegations by certain parties attempting to blame the government, particularly the GPS government, for allegedly failing to act on this issue, SFC would like to stress that the claim is completely baseless.
“Over the past few years, several proactive measures have been implemented, including conducting crocodile hunting operations in identified hotspots, installing warning signs at high-risk locations, conducting awareness campaigns with local communities about crocodile threats and safety measures, and encouraging the public to report crocodile sightings directly to SFC.
“It is highly inappropriate for any party to use this safety issue as political material or to damage the image of the State’s leadership,” the agency said in a statement today, stressing that public safety remains the GPS government’s top priority and that SFC is fully committed to its entrusted responsibilities.
Offering condolences to the victim’s family, SFC stressed that its priority is to ensure public safety while minimising the risk of future incidents in the area.
According to the SFC, the crocodile population in Sarawak is currently estimated at around 25,000, distributed across more than 4,500km of river systems and 40 major river basins, based on monitoring and habitat surveys.
“The vast distribution poses significant challenges, especially for communities living or conducting activities near riverbanks,” said SFC.
To strengthen crocodile management efforts in Sarawak, the SFC has rolled out several key initiatives, including the formation of divisional crocodile task forces to coordinate swift responses to crocodile-related incidents.
SFC also introduced the Sarawak Croc Watch mobile app, a real-time platform for the public to report crocodile sightings directly to the corporation.
“Additionally, SFC has issued crocodile hunting and harvesting licences under strict regulations for population control in high-risk areas, based on scientific data, as well as established Crocodile Removal Zones (CRZ) for the targeted removal or relocation of crocodiles,” it said in a statement.
As part of long-term measures to tackle overpopulation, SFC is working with an Australian consultant to develop a comprehensive management plan that incorporates scientific approaches, systematic monitoring, and community participation.
“SFC is also drafting the Crocodile Rule 2025 to enhance governance and improve population management, including monitoring, enforcement, and trade activities,” it added.
SFC reminded the public to remain cautious near riverbanks, obey all safety signage, and report any crocodile sightings immediately through its hotlines in Kuching (019-8859996), Sibu (084-349455), Bintulu (019-8332737), and Miri (019-8290994). — DayakDaily
