Sarawak has implemented crocodile-free zones (CFZs) in rivers with high human usage in an effort to minimise human-crocodile conflict, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) managing director/chief executive officer Ali Yusop said today.  

Ali, who is also the Controller of Wildlife, said the SFC's Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) would catch and relocate crocodiles found in the CFZs, among which are the Kuching Waterfront and the Miri Waterfront.

The CFZs have been identified under the Crocodile Strategic Management Plan, and the SFC was working closely with the Sarawak Forest Department, Sarawak River Board and other relevant agencies to formulate a win-win formula to manage crocodiles.  

“The crocodile population in the state is recovering and the presence of crocodiles in a river indicates that that river and its eco-system are healthy,” he said following the capture of a 1.8m-long crocodile in the Sarawak River at Bintawa in Kuching. The animal was sent to the Matang Wildlife Centre.   

Ali said the function of crocodiles in the eco-system as scavengers and top predators was well accepted as they helped to maintain the health of the eco-system and kept the population of other animals in check.

“Besides, there is business potential in crocodiles, such as tourism,” he said.

Ali said crocodiles were protected in Sarawak under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. A maximum fine of RM10,000 and a year’s jail will be imposed on anyone found guilty of hunting, killing, keeping, selling or eating a protected animal in Sarawak.

However, a provision in the ordinance allows the killing of crocodiles in self-defence while the controller of wildlife may issue a permit or licence to cull these animals in certain situations.

- Bernama