Crocodile presence raises concerns among residents

SEMARIANG: An 87-year-old local resident, Suhaili Mit has raised concerns regarding the escalating presence of crocodiles in this area.

Suhaili, who has lived in Semariang for 46 years, shared insights into the changing dynamics of the local ecosystem.

Describing encounters with crocodiles since childhood, he emphasised that, historically, these creatures have coexisted without causing disturbances to the residents.

He recounted, “I once saw at one glance thinking what seemed to be a plank… but as I inspected properly it was a crocodile.”

However, Suhaili noted a significant shift in their population approximately 10 years ago.

Suhaili Mit. Photo: Ghazali Bujang

“When the Sungai Midin housing area was first opened, all the crocodiles scattered and fled to the rivers,” he told New Sarawak Tribune in an exclusive interview.

He recalled seeing regular sightings of two to four sizable crocodiles sunning themselves on the beach opposite his house. Although estimating their size at 10 to 15 feet, he believes they could be as large as 17 to 18 feet.

Further reminiscing about the persistent presence of crocodiles that he thought were monitor lizards beneath his house, he said: “Sometimes, at night, they are indeed there.

Expressing concern over a rise in such encounters, Suhaili did not rule out the possibility of an increase in what he referred to as Buaya Katak (Saltwater Crocodile) and recounted encounters among them during the daytime in the river.

“At night, their eyes are red, orange, a similar type of eye… big.

“If you encounter them, don’t hesitate to shoot,” he urged residents to exercise caution.

Furthermore, Suhaili added that the livelihood of the fishermen in the surrounding area is not affected by the increased number of crocodiles and there is nothing to fear about it.

He also called for immediate government action to address the situation, emphasising the need for preventive measures to avoid new incidents such as what had happened to 15-year-old Faqrul Zaimi Jeffri who fell victim to a crocodile attack in the Semariang Aman river while fishing with three of his friends on December 23.

The calm water in Sungai Samariang Batu is enough to draw tourists, but residents are concerned about the growing crocodile population. Photo: Photo: Ghazali Bujang

As per a Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) report, the occurrence transpired at Lorong Cahaya 4E, Bandar Baru Samariang, precisely at 4.27 pm. Subsequently, a team from the Petra Jaya Fire Station swiftly responded to the scene.

According to an acquaintance of one of the victims, they entered the river as a group when their net became entangled. Faqhrul, positioned at the forefront, fell victim to a crocodile attack.

The incident unfolded in the presence of the victim’s friend, who recounted that Fakhrul was attacked before being carried upstream.

At 11 am on Christmas Eve (Dec 24), Faqrul’s lifeless body, devoid of limbs, was found floating about two kilometres from the site of the initial attack.

Reports indicate that the victim’s legs and right hand were absent, and his neck had suffered a break.

After Faqrul’s family identified the body, it was transported to the hospital for further procedures.

This tragic event represents the third crocodile attack recorded in Sarawak this year.

The community anticipates official responses and measures from relevant authorities to address the concerns raised by Suhaili and ensure the safety of residents amidst a noticeable surge in crocodile activity in the rivers.