KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is intensifying an integrated ‘three-pronged’ approach to manage human-crocodile conflicts, focusing on community education, specialised habitat development, and the utilization of digital technology to reduce attack risks, particularly in rural areas.

This proactive step is seen as critical given that a large portion of the community still relies on rivers as primary transport routes and sources of livelihood, thereby increasing exposure to the reptilian threat.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, stated that the safety of residents in riverbank areas is now a state government priority requiring more organized and continuous action.

According to him, efforts to empower public education and awareness will be intensified periodically to increase community understanding of crocodile behaviour and necessary safety measures.

“The installation of warning notices in high-risk areas is also being strengthened as an early prevention measure, ensuring the community remains vigilant of crocodile presence in their surroundings,” he said when met by the media on Saturday.

The state government plans to develop specialised protection centres or crocodile sanctuaries as a long-term solution to relocate crocodiles from populated areas to more controlled habitats.

This initiative is expected to enhance public safety and holds potential as a centre for research, environmental education, and a new tourist attraction.

On the technological front, the CrocWatch digital application will strengthen real-time monitoring systems, allowing the public to report sightings and identify high-risk locations more quickly.

Datuk Len Talif added that human-crocodile conflict is a global challenge due to the reptiles' long lifespans, lack of natural predators, and aggressive nature when their habitats are disturbed.

He emphasised that the combination of technology, habitat management, and community awareness is the key to ensuring a balance between wildlife conservation and the safety of the people in Sarawak. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ezzah Syafiqah
Photo: Ezzah Syafiqah
Translator: Ryan Lim