SADONG JAYA: Simunjan Assemblyman Awla Dris calls for more aggressive action to be implemented by relevant agencies to cull the population of crocodiles threatening the safety of residents in the Sungai Batang Sadong River vicinity.

According to him, the area has witnessed an increase in cases involving the reptiles in recent times.

“I request that the relevant agencies carry out more aggressive action regarding crocodiles because, lately, there have been too many cases involving the Batang Sadong River area.

“More aggressive action is necessary given that most residents in this area rely on river resources as a source of livelihood,” he said when met by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Wednesday.

He said this while visiting the Search and Rescue (SAR) Operation Incident Command Centre based near the Batang Sadong Bridge to obtain the latest updates regarding a crocodile attack reported yesterday.

In the incident at approximately 11:00 am on Tuesday, a man identified as Mohd Faizal Abdillah, 29, from Kampung Rangawan, Sadong Jaya, was reportedly snatched by a crocodile while in the area.

The visit aimed to provide moral support to the rescue team while ensuring all operational requirements were in order and sufficient.

During the visit, he was also briefed on the current situation by the agencies involved, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Asajaya Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), who are working together in an integrated manner for the operation.

In addition to government agencies, the search and rescue operation includes the Samarahan Crocodile Hunter group and local villagers who have come forward to assist in efforts to locate the victim around the scene of the incident.

Meanwhile, he also spent time meeting and comforting the victim's family members at the scene to offer words of encouragement so they remain resilient in facing this ordeal.

He also presented a contribution as a gesture of concern and support for the family throughout the duration of the operation.

Awla also advised the public to remain vigilant when conducting activities in river areas or high-risk locations and to comply with all safety instructions issued by the authorities to prevent untoward incidents from recurring.

The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and authorities will provide updates from time to time.

Also present were the Assistant Administrative Officer of the Sadong Jaya Sub-District Office Abdullah Sam Yusup, Deputy District Police Chief of Kota Samarahan DSP Barry William, Senior Fire Officer I of the Asajaya Fire and Rescue Station Andrew Mangga, Asajaya Police Station Chief Sgt Mohammad Ibrahim Abdullah, and Asajaya District Civil Defence Officer Lt (PA) Hafizul Samah. -UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim