SFC records five croc attacks in Bintulu between 2020-2024, three fatal

TATAU (Oct 23): The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has received a total of 108 crocodile-related complaints in the Bintulu division from 2020 to 2024, with five being attack cases and three of them fatal, said SFC Deputy Controller (Wildlife) Madhan Kiflie.

He explained that adult crocodiles are classified as apex predators, meaning no other predator preys on them in their habitat.

“Therefore, it is essential that the 3M programme serves as the primary communication channel between SFC and stakeholders or the public, to understand how to assist SFC in managing the crocodile population in Sarawak generally, and specifically in Tatau,” he said.

Madhan was speaking at the 3M Crocodile programme (Recognise, Understand, and Conserve Crocodiles) at the seminar room of Masjid Daerah Tatau today.

The programme, conducted in two sessions on October 22 and 23, saw the participation of 150 people from Batang Anap and Sungai Annau, as well as various agencies in the Tatau district.

“The 3M programme is not solely about protecting wild crocodiles. It aims to involve the public and both government and private agencies directly or indirectly, to understand why these seemingly dangerous creatures cannot be completely eradicated.

“We understand that everyone here is frightened of crocodiles due to their naturally fearsome nature and appearance.

“However, crocodiles are part of the natural food chain that we must balance to prevent disruption to the environment,” he said.

Sarawak, located on the island of Borneo, is known for its high biodiversity density.

Therefore, Madhan emphasised that the protection of existing wildlife, conservation of endangered species, and reduction of wildlife populations threatening other species and human lives are crucial for maintaining a healthy biological balance.

He further noted that the Sarawak government and the SFC particularly need support from all parties.

Madhan said the 3M programme focuses on managing wild crocodiles in Sarawak, ensuring the safety of local residents while maintaining environmental balance.

He explained that the SFC is a statutory body responsible for managing wildlife in Sarawak, adding that sustainable wildlife protection and conservation are vital to ensuring the survival of various wildlife species.

“A healthy food chain will determine a balanced wildlife ecosystem in Sarawak. This is important to prevent the extinction of certain species due to an imbalance of wildlife populations in their natural habitats,” he said.

Also present at the programme were Tatau district officer Jabang Juntan, SFC Bintulu acting regional manager Louis Velda and SFC Crocodile Management Section, Enforcement and Protection Division head Dr Mohd Izwan Zulaini.

In the most recent case on Sept 18, six-year-old Cicilia Julan Intik went missing after she was believed to have been attacked by a crocodile while bathing in the river with her grandfather here.

Following this incident, the SFC conducted a crocodile capture operation through a special committee and successfully captured two crocodiles in the Anap River on September 27, approximately 1 km from the location of the incident.