Only 4 of 70 crocodile-handling permits active as cultural taboos keep Bumiputera away from trade

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By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, April 4: Only four of more than 70 crocodile-handling permits issued in Sarawak are currently active, as cultural taboos prevent many Bumiputera communities from participating in the trade.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh noted that while a multi-agency network has been established to manage crocodiles, only a handful of the 70 permits remain active.

“This is largely due to cultural beliefs and taboos among Bumiputera communities. While crocodiles hold commercial value for their skin and meat, many groups, including the Iban, Melanau, and Malays, regard participation in the crocodile trade as taboo.

“Such beliefs are deeply rooted and passed down through generations, and we respect that,” he said after officiating the Sarawak Melanau Community Welfare Trust (LAKKMS) Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (AKMAL) Sarawak Branch today.

Len Talif stressed that professional, structured efforts, through education and awareness, are essential to reducing human-crocodile conflict.

“Educational and awareness initiatives are ongoing with aim at reducing human-crocodile conflict.

“This is not an issue unique to Sarawak. It is faced worldwide. Crocodiles have long lifespans, few natural predators besides humans, and may attack not only for food but also defensively. What is crucial is sustained education, alongside establishing designated areas where crocodiles can be relocated from high-risk zones for tourism, education, and research purposes,” he said.

He added that riverside communities are being kept informed through educational programmes and warning notices about crocodile presence.

“Tools like Croc Watch mobile app also allow real-time reporting of crocodile sightings to enhance public safety,” he explained. — DayakDaily

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