LIMBANG — The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has confirmed it took swift action following a reported crocodile attack on a man at Kampung Pandam, Limbang on Tuesday evening.
The SFC SWAT unit was immediately deployed to the scene to assist with search and rescue operations and to initiate tracking efforts on the crocodile suspected to be involved.
SFC stressed that ensuring the safety of communities residing near rivers remains a top priority and reiterated its commitment to mitigating crocodile threats across the state.
In a strongly worded statement, the agency also rejected recent allegations accusing the Sarawak Government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) of failing to manage crocodile populations effectively.
“The safety of the people is always the foremost concern of the Sarawak Government. It is irresponsible to politicise this issue or use it to discredit the leadership’s efforts,” the statement read.
According to SFC, Sarawak currently has an estimated crocodile population of 25,000 spread over 4,500 kilometres of river systems, encompassing 40 major water bodies. Managing such a widespread wildlife challenge presents significant complexity.
However, SFC said numerous proactive and integrated measures have been taken, including:
- Establishment of Divisional Crocodile Task Forces statewide,
- Development and implementation of the Sarawak Crocodile Management Plan with Australian expert consultants,
- Issuance of controlled hunting and harvesting licences,
- Designation of Crocodile Removal Zones (CRZs) in high-risk locations,
- Launch of the Sarawak Croc Watch mobile app for real-time community reporting, and
- The introduction of Crocodile Rule 2025, a special legislation to tighten regulations and population control.
Public awareness campaigns and the installation of warning signage in crocodile hotspots have also been actively carried out.
SFC once again reminded the public to exercise extreme caution near rivers and swampy areas, especially in zones identified as crocodile habitats, and to promptly report any sightings through official channels or the Sarawak Croc Watch app.
