SIBU, March 5: Two crocodiles, measuring about 13 feet and 17 feet each, were hauled out of the Batang Igan banks by a group of licensed crocodile hunters today.
Deputy Minister in the Office of the Premier of Sarawak (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya shared video clips and photos of the operation to remove the crocodiles on his social media.
The reptiles had to be lifted using an excavator believed to be borrowed on-site where construction works were ongoing.
In a brief caption, Juanda wrote: “It is heard that another one has also been caught. This is for the safety of locals and villagers in the area.”
According to a statement from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), an enforcement team was dispatched to the site to monitor and carry out an investigation on the incident following public reports and after video clips of the operation went viral.
SFC learnt that a group of individuals with permits hunted down the crocodiles after receiving reports from villagers residing near Batang Igan.
While the investigation is still ongoing, SFC advised the public not to act on their own to hunt down the reptiles.
Instead, he said they should make a report with the authorities first.
“In the event of discovery or threats of crocodiles in any area, please report to SFC. We will go down and deal with it.
“SFC has the 3M Crocodile programme, which we use to share knowledge and ways to deal with these reptiles.”
The 3M Crocodile programme aims to help the people know, understand, and conserve (Mengenali, Memahami dan Memulihara) crocodiles.
SFC also pointed out that Batang Igan has been an area infested with crocodiles for a long time.
“The crocodiles will only behave aggressively if they detect threats that could harm or disturb their habitat, to protect their eggs or young crocodiles, or when humans are provoking them.”
SFC seeks cooperation from all parties to tackle issues and problems related to crocodiles ethically as these reptiles are a protected species in Sarawak. ― DayakDaily
