(Kuching, 2nd) The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has always conducted crocodile hunting and population control activities, but has not widely publicized these efforts in order to avoid misunderstanding among certain social groups, said Sarawak Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Dato Len Talif.
He said that for some indigenous communities, hunting crocodiles remains a taboo, and there are also members of the public who consider it a cruel act towards animals.
"Therefore, although SFC implements population control, we do not wish to publicize this excessively. In fact, operations have already been launched and are ongoing to reduce crocodile numbers and relocate these reptiles to areas where they do not pose a threat to humans."
He made these remarks while speaking at the Sarawak Bumiputera Economic Foundation (Tegas) media appreciation dinner held at Star on Stage last night.
Len Talif revealed that this population control effort is being carried out in collaboration with international experts from Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Florida, and South Africa, as human-crocodile conflict is common in many tropical regions.
In addition, Sarawak has also set up designated areas to house crocodiles identified as posing a risk to humans.
"We understand the threat posed by crocodiles, as there are still many residents in Sarawak who rely on rivers in their daily lives. In addition to relocating crocodiles, we also engage with the community, set up warning signs, and have launched the CrocWatch app so the public can report crocodile sightings," he said.
Regarding whether financial assistance is provided to licensed hunters, Len Talif stated that hunting permits are voluntarily issued to individuals interested in the crocodile leather or meat trade.
"Currently, we do not provide any special funding. They may commercialize crocodile meat or leather, but that depends on the individual's own effort," he said.
He said that for some indigenous communities, hunting crocodiles remains a taboo, and there are also members of the public who consider it a cruel act towards animals.
"Therefore, although SFC implements population control, we do not wish to publicize this excessively. In fact, operations have already been launched and are ongoing to reduce crocodile numbers and relocate these reptiles to areas where they do not pose a threat to humans."
He made these remarks while speaking at the Sarawak Bumiputera Economic Foundation (Tegas) media appreciation dinner held at Star on Stage last night.
Len Talif revealed that this population control effort is being carried out in collaboration with international experts from Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Florida, and South Africa, as human-crocodile conflict is common in many tropical regions.
In addition, Sarawak has also set up designated areas to house crocodiles identified as posing a risk to humans.
"We understand the threat posed by crocodiles, as there are still many residents in Sarawak who rely on rivers in their daily lives. In addition to relocating crocodiles, we also engage with the community, set up warning signs, and have launched the CrocWatch app so the public can report crocodile sightings," he said.
Regarding whether financial assistance is provided to licensed hunters, Len Talif stated that hunting permits are voluntarily issued to individuals interested in the crocodile leather or meat trade.
"Currently, we do not provide any special funding. They may commercialize crocodile meat or leather, but that depends on the individual's own effort," he said.