KUCHING: Who is to be blamed for the reduced wild boar population in the state?
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Jemut Masing said today there was no definite data from Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) showing that hunting by native communities had resulted in the drastic decline of wild boar population.
“I believe non-natives are very much involved. With better guns at their disposal, these hunters are causing a decline in the state wildlife.
“If the hunting of wild boars is confined to only native communities, the decline in population will not result in complete depletion within a few years as studies assumed,” he said.
“Therefore, I suggest SFC officers focus their time to hunt for these non-native hunters or poachers who are roaming our jungles instead of spending their time around the open markets (pasar tamu) and ambushing native communities by the road side,” he told New Sarawak Tribune on Tuesday (Nov 24).
Masing said he recalled seeing 20 to 50 carcasses of wild boars being shipped from the jungle in Ulu Baleh to Sibu town a few years ago.
“Please go after these non-Dayak hunters who are still roaming our jungles.
Masing, who is also the Baleh assemblyman and a native, also pointed out that wild boars were major sources of protein intake and another source of income for native communities, especially during the economic slowdown due to Covid-19.
“In this time of economic crisis, who do we save? Wild boar or humans?” he asked.
Masing added under Section 37 (1) (a) and (b) of the ordinance, a native was permitted to have 5 kgs of wild meat in his possession for his own use.
“This was practised year ago. I am curious, why does SFC start enforcing the wildlife ordinance now?” he asked.
