Sarawak authorities urge vigilance as crocodile sightings surge amid floods

AUTHORITIES in Sarawak have urged residents living near rivers to exercise heightened caution following a notable increase in crocodile sightings across the state. At least six reports of the reptiles have been received by local authorities this month alone.

Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment, highlighted that continuous monitoring measures are being implemented, including the introduction of the 'Sarawak Croc Watch' application to allow the public to report crocodile sightings in real time.

"This initiative helps authorities identify high-risk areas and reduce the likelihood of attacks by these dangerous reptiles," he said.

Len Talif emphasised that the state government is seeking to balance human safety with the long-term conservation of crocodiles.

"Sarawak is taking a strategic approach, which includes establishing crocodile sanctuaries and relocating the reptiles from high-risk zones.

“These measures are ongoing, while the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) continues to educate communities, particularly those who rely on rivers for their livelihoods," he added during the Sustainability Within, Green Earth Beyond 2025 programme held at Surau Darul Hijrah, Perumahan Darul Hana.

The SFC has planned the development of five crocodile sanctuaries across Sarawak, including locations in Kuching Wetland National Park, Pulau Seduku (Sri Aman), the Rajang area (Sibu), Sibuti (Miri), and Lawas.

Research by the SFC indicates that the state is home to over 25,000 crocodiles, with numbers steadily increasing due to their long lifespan and absence of natural predators.

Len Talif also noted that the Sustainability Within, Green Earth Beyond 2025 initiative, held for the first time, seeks to raise awareness of sustainable environmental practices and responsible management of natural resources.

Activities included tree planting, sustainability exhibitions, food waste recycling demonstrations, and community sports.

"The tree-planting programme also demonstrates the full support of the LCDA for the Sarawak government’s green initiatives, implemented through the Sarawak Forestry Department as part of the Malaysia Greening Programme and Sarawak Greening Campaign," he stated. - December 13, 2025