‘Take action to address dangers posed by crocs’
MARUDI: Action must be taken to address the dangers posed by crocodiles to people living by the river.
Assistant Minister for Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil said he was saddened by the tragedy at Sungai Peking near Rumah Jampang, upstream of Tinjar River, one of three tributaries of the mighty Baram River.
It happened when a crocodile grabbed SPM school leaver Agnes Luang, 18, and pulled her under the water while she and other villagers were washing at the jetty at about 6.30pm Tuesday.
Penguang, who is also Marudi assemblyman, has instructed his SPDP party workers and the relevant government agencies to help the girl’s family.
He also called on the Forest Department and other authorities to cull crocodiles over-populating rivers in the state.
“We should use all available options in the interest and safety of people living by riverbanks where piped water is not available,” he said.
Penguang, a forester by training, urged the Forest Department to undertake more culling exercises, particularly in major rivers in Sarawak to minimise crocodile attacks.
“They should identify attack-prone areas and undertake culling instead of wait for more attacks before taking action,” he said.
The department, he added, should allow locals to cull the reptiles on its behalf.
Penguang advised riverine community to be vigilant and take extra precaution when using boats in crocodile-infested rivers and avoid washing in such streams and rivers.
In the long term, he said rural people should be provided with alternative water supply such as mini-water treatment plants or gravity-feed water supply to avoid using rivers.
He said he would push for alternatives in such locations in Marudi, saying this should be given serious attention by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.