Farmers urged to beware of crocodile nests in farms, plantations

Dr Mohd Izwan Zulaini Abdul Ghani

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Dec 28: Farmers, including residents with vegetable plantations and those residing near rivers, are urged to remain vigilant of the potential presence of crocodile nests on their farms, as the female crocodile may be lurking nearby to attack.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s (SFC) Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) and Wildlife Enforcement executive Dr Mohd Izwan Zulaini Abdul Ghani said there have been reports of instances of crocodile nests found in farms, including palm oil and agriculture plantations.

“Villagers are urged to be vigilant when going down to their ‘kebun’ (farms),” he told a press conference at SFC’s Kuching Wetland Park Office in Telaga Air today.

Mohd Izwan also said there were instances of crocodiles even being sighted beneath stilt houses and inside drains.

He warned that among the factors attracting crocodiles to residential areas include improper disposal of waste, the presence of pets and raising free-roaming animals.

“Most of the drainage system in Sarawak are connected to the river. So, due to the crocodile’s curiosity, they may enter drains due to the trash or during high tide.

“Moreover, during this monsoon season, crocodiles are more active and aggressive as it coincides with their breeding period. As the creatures mate, it could lead to confrontations due to competitors,” he explained.

The view of the river at Kuching Wetland Park in Telaga Air on Dec 28, 2023.

SFC has strategically installed 213 warning signs in high-risk and frequently visited areas throughout Sarawak, with 98 in Kuching Division alone.

The latest warning signage was installed at Kampung Sungai Bidin yesterday (Dec 27) following a request from villagers as crocodiles have been frequently spotted in the area.

Izwan urged people to avoid and reduce activities near rivers, especially where the warning signs are installed.

“If they have to carry out activities nearby, please be on alert and vigilant as crocodiles may be lurking in the vicinity,” he added.

This came following the latest incident where a 15-year-old boy lost his life after being snatched by a crocodile while fishing near Lorong Cahaya 4E in Bandar Baru Samariang on Dec 23.

Currently, SFC’s SWAT Team is conducting a crocodile removal operation along the rivers, particularly in Samariang area.

The operation, involving the installation of traps along the river, is set to continue until Jan 6, 2024. — DayakDaily