Human-wildlife conflict in Gum-Gum at alarming level, says Arunarnsin

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 16): Human-wildlife conflict in Gum-Gum has reached an alarming level, with villagers suffering daily losses to crops and livestock, Gum-Gum assemblyman Arunarnsin Taib told the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

Speaking during the debate on the Sabah 2026 Budget, Arunarnsin said wildlife disturbances, particularly involving monkeys and crocodiles, have severely affected the livelihoods and safety of rural communities across almost every village in his constituency.

“Villagers work hard planting vegetables and crops in the hope of earning an income, but it is the wildlife especially monkeys that end up harvesting first.

“Not only do they take the produce, they destroy the plants and leave nothing behind,” he said.

He added that the problem extended beyond crops, with chickens and eggs frequently damaged or destroyed by monkeys, compounding losses for small-scale farmers and households.

“This is not a new issue. It has been raised in this House many times because it directly affects the daily lives of the people in my area,” Arunarnsin added.

The Warisan assemblyman also highlighted the serious threat posed by crocodiles, noting that several residents had fallen victim to crocodile attacks over the years.

“Crocodiles are also a major problem in my area. There have been cases of people being attacked, yet until today, there has been no effective action taken,” he said, urging the relevant ministries to intervene urgently.

While welcoming the state government’s focus on economic development, infrastructure and rural welfare under the 2026 Budget, Arunarnsin emphasised that allocations must be implemented transparently and effectively to ensure real impact on the ground.

“We truly hope the relevant ministries can finally resolve the wildlife disturbance issue, which has long burdened the people of Gum-Gum,” he said.