‘Crocodiles protected under int’l law’ — Premier addresses public anger over rising attacks

Abang Johari speaks during the press conference while Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (right) look on at PBB headquarters on Jan 14, 2024.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Jan 14: As the public grows angry over the rising crocodile population, the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has explained that the animal is protected under United Nations law.

He said since Sarawak is a signatory to international law, the State then have to comply with the regulation, making it illegal to hunt or cull crocodiles.

“However, we have requested that the protected status be downgraded so that we can cull the reptile’s population.

“Apart from that certain period, we cannot cull the crocodiles,” he said during a press conference at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters today.

He was referring to the fact that Sarawak was moved from Schedule One to Schedule Two of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2016.

Following that, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) introduced a Crocodile Management Plan in 2016, which allows the issuance of permits for hunting and culling crocodiles and ventures into the crocodile skin and meat industry.

He also defended SFC, stating that the government agent had to comply with international law and, therefore, they had to monitor and prevent illegal culling activities.

At the same time, Abang Johari, who is also Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR), further said that the Sarawak government has plans to build cascading hydro dams—a project to increase power generation in the State, which would also prevent crocodile breeding.

“If we use cascading dams, there will be waterfalls and the water will become ‘berkocak’ (turbulent) and therefore, there will be no crocodiles,” he added. — DayakDaily