Two Large Crocodiles Captured During Balingian River Operation

MUKAH – Two male crocodiles measuring 13.1 feet and 14.7 feet were captured in Sungai Lemai, Balingian, during a crocodile population management operation conducted by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) from October 12 to 25.

The operation was organised to manage the crocodile population in a controlled manner and reduce potential risks to residents who use areas near the river. Several agencies and local teams participated in the exercise, alongside a licensed crocodile hunter.

Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi welcomed the operation, emphasising the need for sustained monitoring in areas where large crocodiles have been sighted or where human-crocodile encounters may pose a risk to the public.

He called for surveillance efforts to be extended to other locations around Balingian where crocodiles are known to be present. He also recommended identifying higher-risk areas for closer attention and installing appropriate warning signs to alert residents to potential dangers.

Abdul Yakub urged the public to cooperate with the authorities during such operations by avoiding the equipment used to capture crocodiles and exercising caution when undertaking activities near rivers.

“I hope that residents will fully cooperate throughout the operation by not disturbing the installed equipment and always be careful when carrying out activities near the river,” he said.

The operation involved eight SFC personnel from Sibu and Bintulu, working with licensed crocodile hunter Sahari Rapaie. Support was also provided by the Malaysian Volunteer Force (RELA), the Balingian Volunteer Fire Department and the Balingian District Human-Crocodile Conflict Management Special Task Force.

According to the SFC, the team carried out patrols and inspected crocodile baiting equipment installed along Sungai Lemai on the second day of the operation. The inspections led to the successful capture of the two male crocodiles.

Following their capture, both animals were taken to the Bederun Festival Jetty in Balingian before being relocated. The available information did not specify their final destination or provide further details about the relocation arrangements.

The SFC also appealed to residents to stay away from areas where crocodile-catching equipment had been installed. Members of the public were specifically advised against tampering with fishing lines, buoys or other equipment used during the operation.

Such precautions are important because interference with capture equipment could disrupt monitoring activities and expose people to unnecessary risks. Residents living near rivers are therefore encouraged to observe official safety instructions and avoid approaching areas where wildlife management activities are taking place.

Abdul Yakub also acknowledged the contributions of the SFC, RELA, the Balingian Volunteer Fire Department and the district’s human-crocodile conflict management task force. He thanked the participating teams for their efforts to protect the local community and support coordinated action in areas affected by crocodile activity.

The operation was scheduled to continue until October 25, allowing the participating teams to carry out further monitoring and manage the crocodile population in accordance with established standard operating procedures.

The SFC reiterated its advice for residents to remain alert when carrying out activities near rivers, particularly in locations where crocodiles may be present. People should avoid approaching suspected crocodile habitats unnecessarily and follow any warnings or instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

The capture of the two large reptiles highlights the ongoing challenges of managing human-crocodile encounters in riverine communities. Continued surveillance, public cooperation and coordination among enforcement agencies remain important elements in reducing risks to residents while supporting the controlled management of crocodile populations in Balingian. — Sarawak Daily