KUCHING: The Samarahan Crocodile Hunters team has been issued permission and licence by the Controller of Wild Life to hunt and cull crocodiles.
However, this is only allowed when it is believed that the reptiles are a threat to the public.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) explained that since 2016, they had introduced a Crocodile Management Plan as a guideline in dealing with the reptile as a whole, to ensure that culling is done in a sustainable manner.
“This includes some technical assistance, including issuance of permit by the Controller,” said SFC in a statement.
This was in response to issues debated and published in local newspapers, pertaining to the recently formed crocodile hunting team.
Moreover, SFC said in respect to the regulations under Sections 41, 42 and 42A of the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998, hunting and culling of crocodiles are allowed when it is believed to be a threat to public lives and property.
While it was a good effort by the communities, SFC added that it must be properly and legally managed through legislation and a management plan.
“This is to ensure that it would not cause the extinction of crocodiles, but instead reduce conflicts between humans and crocodiles,” SFC said in the statement.
On another note, SFC also has conducted massive awareness campaigns throughout the state relating to crocodile management in a systematic manner.
“Briefings were given to the community leaders who represented the public and involvement as well as commitment from local state representatives were also sought through the ‘3M (Mengenali, Memahami, Memulihara) Buaya’ programme in order to gather feedback and input from the community.
“With that, SFC could fine tune the state’s Crocodile Management Plan especially on the issuance of licences to the public for crocodile culling,” it explained.
Furthermore, SFC would also like to advise the public to be vigilant when using the river system in view of the monsoon season as well as the start of the breeding season for crocodiles.
Members of the public are encouraged to notify their nearest SFC offices of any crocodile sightings in their areas.
SFC hotlines at the various regions are reachable at 019-8859996 (Kuching), 019-8883561 (Sibu), 019-8332737 (Bintulu), or 019-8290994 (Miri).
