A team of licensed crocodile hunters has captured a giant crocodile measuring about five metres long on the opening day of a special operation along the Tatau River in Sarawak.
The operation, led by experienced crocodile hunters from Sibu, Bintulu and Tatau, was launched following repeated sightings of large crocodiles in the river and several recent crocodile attacks in the area.
Veteran crocodile hunter Jeferry Siew said the growing crocodile population has made the Tatau River significantly more dangerous than it was in the past. He warned that large crocodiles can now be found throughout the river and urged residents to stay away from the water. Authorities hope the operation will reduce the threat posed by dangerous crocodiles and improve public safety for communities living along the river.
“This river is no longer as safe as it used to be. Large crocodiles can now be found throughout the river,” he said.
Siew expressed concern that many children continue swimming in the river after school despite the danger. He warned that anyone entering the river risks becoming the next crocodile attack victim.
Drawing on years of experience tracking and capturing crocodiles, Siew said the reptiles are patient predators capable of remaining in the same area for long periods before striking when an opportunity arises.
He also urged parents to remind their children not to swim or bathe in the river and called on the public to stop throwing rubbish into the water, warning that food waste and other refuse can attract crocodiles to areas frequently used by people.
Meanwhile, the Bintulu-Tatau licensed crocodile hunting team, led by Juni Kung, said baited fishing lines were used during the operation to capture crocodiles considered a threat to nearby communities.
Kung thanked fellow licensed hunters from Sibu and Tatau for joining the operation, as well as the headmaster of SJK Chung Hua Tatau for showing support during the first day of the mission.
A spokesperson for the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in Bintulu said the integrated operation brings together experienced licensed crocodile hunters from Bintulu, Sibu and Tatau to remove nuisance crocodiles that pose a risk to public safety.
Following the successful capture of the five-metre crocodile, the team said it remains committed to continuing the operation in an effort to remove more dangerous crocodiles from the Tatau River and reduce the risk of future attacks.
