KUCHING: Sarawak is taking steps to manage the crocodile population in the state to reduce their threat to humans, says Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The state Deputy Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister said the measures include removing the reptiles to designated sanctuaries and issuing hunting permits.
"We have identified specific areas where crocodiles can be moved to so that they will not threaten humans.
"In Sarawak's context, we recognise the danger posed by crocodiles as many people still use rivers for their daily activities," he told reporters at a media appreciation event here on Wednesday (Oct 1) night.
Len Talif's comments came after the latest crocodile attack in Sarawak, which claimed a 21-year-old victim in Tatau on Sept 27.
On Wednesday (Oct 1), human remains were discovered in a crocodile captured and dissected by the authorities during the search operation for Jeffrey Masing Win, who had been attacked while bathing in a river with his brother.
Len Talif also said the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) had issued over 70 crocodile hunting permits for commercial purposes, but only two or three of the permits were active.
"In legal terms, there is no problem with issuing permits to hunt crocodiles for commercialising the skin and meat.
"But bumiputra communities, such as the Malay, Melanau, Iban and Bidayuh, have a taboo against hunting crocodiles, so we have to consider the cultural aspect as well," he said.
Len Talif added that the state had developed the Sarawak Croc Watch app to monitor and report crocodile sightings.
"Anyone who sees a crocodile can report it through the app. The public can also access the app to check where crocodiles have been seen and avoid those areas," he said.
