SFC launches ‘Operasi Nangkap Boyak’ in Samariang to tackle crocodile threat after teen’s tragic death

SFC's SWAT officers checking the riverbanks for crocodile on Dec 26, 2023. Photo credit: Sarawak Forestry Corporation Facebook

KUCHING, Dec 27: Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s (SFC) Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) has launched an operation to capture crocodiles in the Samariang area from Dec 26 until Jan 6, 2024.

According to a post on its social media page yesterday (Dec 26), SFC stated that  ‘Operasi Nangkap Boyak’ is aimed at removing the dangerous creatures that pose a threat to local residents, including hunting down the crocodile responsible for the death of a 15-year-old boy last Saturday.

The boy was snatched by a crocodile while fishing near Lorong Cahaya 4E in Bandar Baru Samariang on Dec 23.

The unfortunate incident resulted in the discovery of the boy’s body with missing limbs and a torn neck, floating 2km away from the reported attack site on the right side of Sungai Loba Kanan the following day.

“The operation will cover the areas along Sungai Samariang and its surroundings.

“Residents around Samariang are urged to cooperate and advised to remain vigilant and alert as well as to reduce activities along the river throughout the operation period,” SFC urged.

The quiet atmosphere at a jetty along the Sungai Samariang. Photo credit: Sarawak Forestry Corporation Facebook

In a related information, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak director Datu Khiruddin Drahman disclosed to TVS recently that as of October 2023, there were two cases of crocodile attacks involving humans reported in Sarawak.

The first incident occured in Kampung Boom, Oya in Mukah last May, involving a 58-year-old fisherman who was attacked while fishing for prawns in the river.

The second case involved a village chieftain suspected to have been attacked by crocodile in Sungai Skrang, Rumah Baloi Skim Skrang of Betong last August.

Between August 2018 and October 2023, a total of 27 crocodile attack cases were recorded in Sarawak.

Khiruddin highlighted that the highest number of cases occurred in 2021, involving nine victims.

However, there was a decline in cases in 2022 and 2023, with only four and two cases, respectively, prior to the tragic death of the 15-year-old boy.

Among these cases, Betong and Lundu recorded the highest number, each with three cases. — DayakDaily