KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued an alert-level continuous rain warning for several areas in Sabah and Sarawak from this afternoon until tomorrow (February 8).

MetMalaysia, in a statement issued this afternoon, said that continuous rain is expected in parts of Sarawak, including Sibu (Selangau), Mukah (Daro, Matu, Dalat, and Mukah), Bintulu, and Miri (Subis and Miri).

A similar weather pattern is also anticipated in Sabah, affecting the west coast (Ranau and Kota Belud), Sandakan (Telupid, Kinabatangan, Beluran, and Sandakan), and Kudat. — Bernama

FEBRUARY 7 — The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a formidable apex predator, that commands the lush, river-laden landscapes of Sarawak, Malaysia.

For centuries, these ancient reptiles have shared their domain with humans, deeply embedding themselves into local lore and culture.

However, recent decades have seen an uptick in human-crocodile conflicts, attributed to the growing crocodile population in Sarawak’s rivers.

Sarawak is home to two crocodile species, which is the iconic Crocodylus porosus and the elusive Tomistoma schlegelii.

Crocodiles hold cultural and historical significance in the region. For instance, one enduring legend is that of Bujang Senang, a fearsome crocodile believed to be the reincarnation of an Iban warrior, Simalungun.

And let’s not forget the local belief in the healing powers of crocodile body parts, which are thought to possess medicinal properties.

In the late 1980s, the population of Crocodylus porosus experienced a sharp decline due to excessive hunting for their skins and meat, along with the harvesting of their eggs and hatchlings.

Thankfully, the implementation of strict legal protections led to a significant rebound in their numbers, as reported by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).

However, this successful recovery has also resulted in new challenges, notably a rise in human-crocodile conflicts.

This growing trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive data on crocodile populations. Such information is crucial for crafting effective management strategies that balance the delicate act of reducing human-crocodile conflicts while continuing to protect these magnificent creatures.

After all, in Sarawak, the story of the crocodile is far from over, it’s just getting started.

To gain a better understanding of the current situation, a 2012 crocodile census survey conducted across the Bako River, Batang Samarahan, and Sibu Laut River revealed notable population trends and patterns of human interaction.

By employing spotlighting techniques to detect the telltale eyeshines of crocodiles, researchers observed varying population dynamics within these waterways.

For example, in Sungai Sibu Laut, the crocodile population density had declined by nearly 40 per cent since 2003, driven by intensified fishing activities, expanding of human settlements, and habitat disruption from riverbank development.

Meanwhile, in less disturbed areas like Batang Samarahan, the presence of hatchlings and yearlings indicated a successful nesting of crocodiles.

These findings underscore the urgent need for effective management strategies to balance crocodile conservation with public safety, especially as human-crocodile conflicts rise.

As a result of these developments, human-crocodile conflicts have become increasingly common.

Between the year 2000 and 2020, 164 crocodile attacks were reported in Sarawak, averaging 7.8 cases per year, with an almost equal split between fatal and non-fatal incidents.

More recently, fatal attacks have remained a pressing concern, with six cases reported in both 2022 and 2023. The highest recorded fatalities were reported in 2021, with nine deaths.

One particularly tragic example occurred on December 23, 2024, when a 15-year-old boy was attacked by a crocodile while fishing in the Samariang area.

Not to mention on December 22, 2024, a fisherman was also fatally attacked by a crocodile in Kuala Baram and the body was found after four days.

These alarming incidents underscore the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate conflicts and protect human lives.

The growing urbanisation and large-scale plantation developments in Sarawak have significantly impacted crocodile habitats, reduced their food sources and increased water pollution.

Concurrently, rising human populations and intensified river activities have escalated the frequency of encounters between humans and crocodiles.

To address this issue, community input has revealed mixed perspectives on addressing these challenges.

Nearly half of the surveyed respondents (49 per cent) supported culling to manage the crocodile populations, while 27 per cent recommended continuous monitoring of crocodile behaviour and numbers.

A further 24 per cent suggested relocating aggressive crocodiles to sanctuaries or zoos. These findings highlight the community’s awareness of the growing risks posed by crocodiles and the need for effective management strategies that balance conservation efforts with public safety.

Looking ahead, ensuring a peaceful coexistence between humans and crocodiles in Sarawak requires a multi-faceted approach.

A comprehensive population data, community involvement, and balanced strategies are essential to address this issue.

Additionally, public awareness campaigns can promote safer river practices, while collaboration between conservation authorities and local communities can help craft solutions that prioritise both human safety and crocodile conservation.

To conclude, the rising human-crocodile conflicts in Sarawak call for immediate and well-coordinated action to safeguard public safety while preserving the region’s biodiversity.

The government must adopt effective strategies such as regular population monitoring, habitat conservation, and public awareness initiatives to tackle the underlying causes of these conflicts.

Simultaneously, local communities play a vital role by embracing safer practices, reporting crocodile sightings, and cooperating with authorities to address these challenges.

Through collective efforts, Sarawak can protect its residents while ensuring the conservation of these iconic predators, which are integral to the region’s ecological and cultural heritage.

* Emerald Keith Anak Menai and Assoc Prof Dr Hasmahzaiti Omar are from the Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya.

GEORGETOWN: Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) menggesa Kerajaan Kedah dan pihak berkuasa berkaitan memberi perhatian serius terhadap letupan kuat luar biasa di Kampung Padang, Mukim Sungai Kecil Hilir, Daerah Bandar Baharu, yang dilaporkan pada Rabu lalu.

Letupan sekitar jam 2.15 petang itu dipercayai berpunca aktiviti pemecahan bongkah batu oleh pengusaha kuari yang beroperasi di kampung berkenaan sehingga mengejutkan sebahagian besar penduduk.

Presiden SAM, Meenakshi Raman, berkata kebanyakan penduduk yang tinggal di sekitar kawasan berdekatan mendakwa terkejut dengan letupan dan dentuman kuat itu hingga menggegarkan kawasan perumahan mereka.

Perkara itu turut dimaklumkan beberapa penduduk di luar kawasan Kampung Padang yang mendakwa terdengar letupan berkenaan pada jarak kira-kira satu hingga dua kilometer.

"Penduduk yang paling hampir dengan kuari berkenaan mendakwa gegaran daripada letupan itu menyebabkan lampu siling jenis kalimantang dalam rumah anak saudaranya jatuh ke lantai, manakala bahagian dinding mengalami keretakan.

"Susulan itu, dia bersama anak saudaranya membuat laporan di Balai Polis Bandar Baharu berhubung kejadian berkenaan.

"SAM dimaklumkan ada lagi laporan polis bakal menyusul daripada beberapa penduduk yang tidak berpuas hati dengan insiden terbabit," katanya dalam kenyataan di sini, hari ini.

Mengulas lanjut, Meenakshi berkata, jenis dan jumlah bahan letupan yang digunakan oleh pengusaha kuari juga menjadi tanda tanya.

Katanya, sepatutnya kerja letupan di kawasan kuari dilaksanakan pembedil bertauliah, selain mematuhi prosedur standard yang ditetapkan terutamanya di kawasan berhampiran dengan struktur bangunan dan kediaman.

"Antara bahaya yang berkait rapat dengan kerja letupan batu termasuklah batu berterbangan, gegaran tanah dan sebaran debu.

"Jurutera perunding juga perlu memastikan aktiviti yang dijalankan tidak menyebabkan impak negatif kepada orang awam.

"Selain itu, cadangan reka bentuk letupan yang disediakan pembedil bertauliah perlu diambil kira dan disahkan terlebih dahulu oleh Jurutera Perunding Perlombongan serta dikemuka kepada Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains (JMG) sebelum kerja peletupan dilaksanakan," katanya lagi.

Meenakshi mendakwa, selain insiden letupan itu, isu lain berbangkit seperti bunyi bising daripada mesin pemecah bongkah batu serta masalah lori keluar masuk juga masih diperkatakan penduduk.

Katanya, ini menunjukkan masih ada salah laku oleh pengusaha kuari terbabit walaupun perkara itu diambil maklum pihak berkenaan.

"Salah laku pengusaha kuari ini pernah dilaporkan media dan mendapat perhatian banyak pihak termasuk Jabatan Alam Sekitar (JAS); JMG; Pejabat Daerah dan Tanah Bandar Baharu serta Suruhanjaya Integriti Agensi Penguatkuasaan (EAIC) atas beberapa perkara lanjutan hasil aduan serta bantahan yang dikemuka penduduk.

"Hasilnya pihak kuari tidak diberi kebenaran menjalankan aktiviti kuari selama dua sehingga tiga bulan atas beberapa sebab pelanggaran syarat permit bahan batuan yang dikenakan terhadap mereka," katanya.

Sehubungan itu SAM sekali lagi menggesa pihak terbabit mengambil serius ke atas perkara yang berlaku dan menjalankan siasatan ke atas kejadian selain menggantung permit pengeluaran bahan batuan serta tidak diperbaharui kerana isu berulang berkenaan.

Pada Ogos tahun lalu, media pernah melaporkan projek kuari batu di kampung berkenaan diambil tindakan oleh JAS kerana didapati melanggar beberapa syarat kelulusan laporan impak alam sekitar (EIA).