PETALING JAYA: A total of 334 crocodiles have been captured in Peninsular Malaysia since 2024 by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), which says it has sufficient manpower and safety measures in place to manage growing human-crocodile conflicts.
According to Perhilitan, 130 were captured in 2024, followed by 169 crocodiles in 2025 while another 35 were captured up until May this year.
According to the Wildlife Conservation Act, Perhilitan only covers Peninsular Malaysia, as Sabah and Sarawak have their own enactment.
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Perhilitan also told The Star that they have stepped up efforts – ranging from habitat surveys to community engagement – to reduce human-crocodile conflicts.
“Among the measures (taken) include identification of crocodile habitats through surveys, (and) installation of warning signs where the reptiles are known to roam,” said Perhilitan.
“There are also briefings given to the local communities about the presence of crocodiles near their villages, while cooperation with other public agencies is being developed to safeguard crocodile habitats.”
According to the officer, installing warning signs have helped to raise public awareness, but crocodiles remain highly sensitive to disturbance and may expand their roaming areas when disrupted.
“Community briefings have improved understanding among villagers particularly where crocodiles emerge.
The officer said the Saltwater Crocodile is the species most commonly sighted in Malaysia, as it inhabits rivers and estuaries but is also capable of travelling through the sea due to its tolerance for saltwater.
“Adult Saltwater Crocodiles typically concentrate around estuaries with dense tree cover. Disturbances in these areas, particularly during basking, make them uncomfortable and force them to seek new habitats.
“Habitat disruption also reduces available space. Young adult crocodiles lose out to larger adults in territorial competition and are therefore forced to move to new areas.”
Perhilitan added that reports of crocodile sightings are first verified before officers begin monitoring the area.
“Engagement sessions with local communities living in crocodile habitats are conducted from time to time to share information and receive complaints.”
Perhilitan noted that the crocodiles captured outside their natural habitats will be relocated either back into the wild or to Paya Indah Wetlands in Selangor.
Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department had recorded 33,344 animal and snake capture cases in 2025.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohamad said the department handled 31,058 cases in 2020, rising steadily to a peak of 43,568 cases in 2023.
“The number then fell significantly to 30,587 cases in 2024, before increasing slightly to 33,344 cases in 2025.”
Nor Hisham said the captured animals, which include crocodiles and snakes, would be ultimately handed over to Perhilitan.
“After a snake has been captured, it will first be taken to the nearest fire station for temporary safekeeping before being handed over.
“The station’s control room will immediately notify Perhilitan or the relevant state wildlife department to arrange for the collection of the snake.
“If Perhilitan does not collect the snake within 24 hours of being notified, then the department will release it at a safe location,” he explained.
