Concerns mount as crocodile attacks continue amidst population surge in Sarawak, highest recorded fatalities at 9 in 2021

SFC's SWAT Team disembarks at the jetty of Telaga Air during their crocodile removal operation on Dec 28, 2023.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Dec 28: As the crocodile population in Sarawak saw an increase from 13,500 in 2014 to 24,700 in 2023, the persistent challenge of crocodile-human conflicts or attacks has remained constant over the past decade, showing no significant upswing or downturn, with the highest recorded number of fatalities reaching nine in 2021.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s (SFC) 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 the main rivers in Sarawak including in Samarahan, Santubong, Bako, Suai, Lupar and Sadong.

“There were six fatal cases reported in both 2022 and 2023.

“However, in recent years, there were more cases involving children below the age of 12 and teenagers, often proving fatal. These incidents predominantly occurred during weekends or over the school and festive holidays period,” he told a press conference at SFC’s Kuching Wetland Park Office in Telaga Air today.

Expressing concern about the potential threat of crocodile attacks in villages and residential areas near coastal and riverine regions, Izwan urged parents and guardians to heighten vigilance, particularly when their children are in or near water bodies with a high risk of crocodiles being present.

Since 2021, he highlighted that 60 per cent of crocodile attacks were linked to activities such as bathing or fishing in rivers.

Mohd Izwan (centre) addressing a press conference at SFC’s Kuching Wetland Park Office in Telaga Air on Dec 28, 2023. Also seen are Abdul Aziz (left) and Asraff (right).

He attributed the significant increase in the crocodile population to their protected status in Sarawak, making it illegal to hunt or cull them without a proper permit and license.

“The regulations are in place not only to safeguard the animals but to prevent uncontrolled culling or hunting that could lead to a drastic decrease in their population.

“As for licensing, it is open for application, subject to meeting specified terms and conditions. Specific license holders are also permitted to harvest and sell,” he explained.

In efforts to manage the escalating crocodile population, Izwan stressed SFC’s close collaboration with various agencies, organisations, and authorities including at international level for knowledge exchange.

Regarding the potential use of biological control methods, he mentioned they have not employed this approach yet, as it is essential to ensure the safety of other animal populations so that they will not fall into the endangered category.

Currently, SFC’s SWAT Team is conducting the crocodile removal operation along the rivers, particularly in Samariang area where a 15-year-old boy lost his life after being snatched by a crocodile while fishing on Dec 23.

The operation to lure and capture crocodiles which will potentially to be culled will run until Jan 6, 2024. Traps have been installed along the river and the team are hopeful to lure the crocodiles out in the coming days.

Residents are urged to cooperate, remain vigilant and reduce activities along the river throughout the operation.

Also present were SFC Kuching regional manager Asraff Julaihi Khan and Kuching Wetland National Park park warden Abdul Aziz Abdul Haddy. — DayakDaily