SFC urges caution amidst spread of outdated wildlife attack videos

KUCHING: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has taken a stern stance on the recent surge of viral videos depicting wildlife attacks, emphasising the outdated nature and geographical inaccuracies of the content.

SFC said these videos, dating back several years and not all occurring in Sarawak, have induced unwarranted panic among the public.

“The short videos that have gone viral happened several years ago, and some of the incidents did not take place in the state of Sarawak.

“For information, the dissemination of these videos has caused panic and concern among the general public. This unfounded spread could adversely affect the local community’s economy,” said SFC in a Facebook post.

Expressing concern over the baseless dissemination, SFC pledges to install warning signs in specific areas known for the presence of dangerous wildlife.

The corporation assured that enforcement officers are on high alert to respond promptly to information provided by the public.

Simultaneously, the Sarawak Wildlife Controller issues a stern warning against any mistreatment of protected wildlife in Sarawak.

“Under Section 44 of the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, individuals found guilty of such offences could face six months of imprisonment and a fine of two thousand ringgit,” said SFC.

As such, SFC calls upon Sarawakian to exercise discretion in sharing videos, especially those that are outdated or irrelevant.

Social media users are urged to adopt a cautious approach and adhere to the principle of “when in doubt, refrain from sharing.”

For those with information related to wildlife crime, immediate reporting is available through SFC hotline numbers: Kuching (019 8859996), Sibu (019 8883561), Bintulu (019 8332737), Miri (019 8290994), or via the online complaint form on their website, www.sarawakforestry.com.