By Dayak Daily Team Editor KB
By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 3: The public is encouraged to download the Sarawak Croc Watch mobile application to help identify high-risk areas, especially locations where crocodile sightings have been reported.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said the app enables users to report crocodile sightings or encounters in specific areas.
鈥淲e appeal for cooperation from all parties. Sarawak Croc Watch is a mobile app that anyone can download. Through this platform, we鈥檝e been collecting data that helps users identify high-risk zones,鈥 he told reporters at the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025, held at a leading hotel here on Wednesday (July 3).
He added that the app allows the public to upload information about crocodile sightings, which not only raises awareness but also helps reduce the risk of crocodile-related incidents.
To address the threat of crocodile attacks, Len Talif emphasised that public education remains a key strategy in reducing risk.
He also highlighted one of Sarawak government鈥檚 current initiatives, which involves relocating captured crocodiles to designated crocodile sanctuaries as a measure to protect local communities.
This follows the death of a 32-year-old man, believed to be attacked by crocodile while fishing near a river along Jalan Matang-Kampung Paroh on June 27. His body was recovered on June 28 by the search and rescue (SAR) team.
In response, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) launched a targeted operation along the Sungai Paroh area from July 1 to 13 to remove dangerous crocodiles.
The public is advised to refrain from engaging in any river-related activities within the affected area throughout the operation period.
With the area now identified as a high-risk zone under close surveillance, SFC will also be stepping up safety measures by installing additional crocodile danger warning signs at strategic locations and continuing its Crocodile Awareness Campaign, known as Kempen Kesedaran 3M Buaya (Mengenali, Memahami, Memulihara 鈥 Know, Understand, Preserve).
Any sightings of crocodiles that pose a safety threat can also be reported directly to the SFC hotlines in Kuching at 019-885996, in Sibu at 084-349455, in Bintulu at 086-339842, and in Miri at 019-8290994.
For further enquiries, the public can contact the Communication and Public Affairs (CPA) unit of SFC at 082-610088 or email asmahmusa@sarawakforestry.com. 鈥 DayakDaily