MIRI: A comprehensive solution is needed to tackle the human-crocodile conflict following the growing population of the reptiles in Sarawak, including the Baram River, said Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.
“In Sarawak, crocodiles and humans have co-existed for hundreds of years. However, threats from the reptiles to humans have increased,” he said.
Citing cases in 2018, he said six cases involving crocodile attacks were recorded in Sarawak with two fatalities.
“The two fatalities cases reported occurred in Sungai Bakong and Sungai Tinjar, Baram,” he said.
Addressing this during an awareness and educational programme on human-crocodile conflict on Thursday held at Anthony Hall in Lapok ,Tinjar, Penguang added that such incidents should not been taken lightly and safety approaches to avoid conflicts while using rivers are crucial.
His text of speech was read by Beluru District officer Alfred Gelin Ason.
Amongst those present were Sarawak Forest Department deputy director Jack Liam, Miri Forestry Department regional officer Alexander Anthony Banyan and 120 longhouse folks residing along riverbanks areas of both Sungai Tinjar and Sungai Bakong.
The 38km-long Sungai Bakong has been known as one of the most heavily-infested rivers in the northern region, with an estimation of 550 crocodiles along the stretch.
Others include Batang Sadong, Sungai Tuang, Batang Kerian, Sungai Seblak, Sungai Linga, Sungai Sebuyau, Batang Lupar, Batanga Saribas and Batang Baram.
Penguang applauded efforts made by the Sarawak Forestry Department for organising such a programme as he believed it would build up locals’ knowledge on human-crocodile conflict.
