KUALA LUMPUR: Additional compensation should be considered for farmers and fishermen for losses caused by crocodile attacks and damage to fishing nets, says a Sarawak lawmaker.
Roy Angau anak Gingkoi (GPS-Lubok Antu) urged the government to expand and simplify the Wildlife Attack Property and Crop Loss Assistance Scheme (BKHT) to ensure affected communities receive timely and adequate assistance.
Speaking during the Budget 2027 debate in the Dewan Rakyat, Roy said the growing presence of crocodiles in Sarawak's rivers posed threats not only to residents' lives but also to the livelihoods of fishermen.
“Besides threatening lives, the increasing crocodile population also causes losses to fishermen, as their fishing nets are frequently damaged by these animals,” he said.
Roy was referring to the allocation under the BKHT scheme, which had been increased from RM1.5mil to RM1.8mil for 2027.
He questioned whether the scheme could be made more accessible to farmers and fishermen in rural and remote areas, particularly those in Sarawak who faced difficulties accessing assistance.
Roy said while elephant attacks on crops were frequently reported in Peninsular Malaysia, communities in Sarawak faced a different threat from crocodiles.
He added that farmers also faced threats from wildlife while working in their plantations and farms.
“I hope the ministry will consider a compensation mechanism that is easier, faster and more appropriate to the actual losses suffered by residents.
“Budget allocations should not only strengthen forest and biodiversity protection but also provide economic benefits, create employment opportunities and safeguard the safety and well-being of local communities,” he said.
His concerns come amid several recent crocodile incidents in the state.
On Nov 3, a 5.43m-long crocodile weighing more than 600kg was captured at Kampung Sedi, Pulau Bruit, Daro, after a two-week hunt prompted by concerns over its presence near waterways used by residents.
In September, a 4.32m-long crocodile weighing 580kg was caught at Batang Igan after residents complained that it had disturbed their fishing nets, forcing some to stop their daily fishing activities out of fear.
There have also been several reports of crocodile related attacks.
In March, a 15-year-old boy died after he was believed to have been attacked by a crocodile while bathing with his family at Sungai Sarawak in Kampung Segubang, Batu Kawa.
In August, a 78-year-old woman was killed in a crocodile attack near Suai Bridge in Batu Niah, Miri.
