KUCHING: The Sarawak government is set to study and possibly adopt crocodile management strategies from Australia to address the growing human-crocodile conflict in the state.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said that the state's focus would be on managing the crocodile population and refining hunting methods.

"We are sending officers led by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan to study the methods implemented by Australia in addressing crocodile issues.

"One key aspect is determining the right time to hunt crocodiles to avoid violating United Nations (UN) regulations as crocodiles are listed as an endangered species under the UN," he told reporters after launching the 10th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH) here today.

Furthermore, Abang Johari said a more systematic approach was needed to tackle crocodile issues despite the Sarawak government having previously implemented several measures to address crocodile attack threats.

According to records from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) from 2020 to 2023, 107 operations were conducted, with 95 crocodiles captured and 482 reptile eggs relocated.

Abang Johari said that the Sarawak government planned to amend the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (NREO) at the upcoming State Legislative Assembly (DUN) session.

He said that this amendment was to better regulate environmental issues and ensure sustainable natural resource management to protect the environmental quality in the state.

Additionally, the amendment of the bill will include changes to the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance and the Wildlife Protection Ordinance.

"This includes amendments to enforce heavier penalties by setting higher fines and prison sentences for any offenders convicted in court," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1087067/sarawak-adopt-australian-crocodile-management-strategies