‘Only threatening crocs can be culled now’
KUCHING: The proposed culling season with contractors – licensed individuals and companies – for the purpose of trade is not yet effected.
Culling is the killing of animals in a group to prevent their population from getting too large.
Minister for Natural Resources and Environment Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said he is getting crocodiles de-listed into Schedule II at the Convention of the International Trades of Flora and Fauna of the Endangered Species so that their f lesh and skin can be traded internationally.
“Now the ball is with the state as it has to draft or amend the law or amendment law, regulations or rules on culling of the crocodiles. The state would have to draft rules and procedure with consultation with the NRE ( his ministry) on the culling and trades of the flesh and skin,” said Wan Junaidi, who is also Santubong MP.
Pending all these steps, culling in Sarawak is based on the present law that allows it to be done when the crocodile has endangered humans, he pointed out.
Now the ball is with the state as it has to draft or amend the law or amendment law, regulations or rules on culling of the crocodiles. The state would have to draft rules and procedure with consultation with the NRE (his ministry) on the culling and trades of the flesh and skin.
Wan Junaidi was responding to a query if the authority is facing any challenge or issue on the proposed culling season involving contractors in Sarawak.
With the down- listing in the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ( CITES), there is a permitted quota of wild caught or harvested crocodile that may be traded internationally. CITES is an international agreement between governments with an aim to ensure that trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
“I was informed that there are a number of applications to harvest submitted to the controller in which power is vested in the Director of Forest. Applications are under consideration now. This is done by the controller’s office,” said Wan Junaidi.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation ( SFC) deputy general manager Oswald Braken Tisen said culling of crocodiles has been going on when crocodiles are deemed to pose danger to the public or when attack on humans occurs.
This is provided for by the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998 ( WLPO), he pointed out.
“Culling is based on the WLPO. The provision of current law is sufficient to cover these. Currently our Swift Wildlife Action Team ( or SWAT) is operating in Saratok to remove crocodiles that recently attacked the locals there,” he pointed out when contacted recently.
Forest Department deputy wildlife controller Engkamat Lading said the department is in the process of issuing licences for culling but not for trading crocodile parts.
“Those with incomplete information ( or required particulars) will be KIV first. As of today we have a total of 37 applicants, not all for hunting as some are for selling activities.”
On whether culling is urgent, Engkamat pointed out that based on the frequency of attacks since end of last year until April this year, it has to be done fast.
There would be culling along some rivers in Sarawak before repeated attacks take place, he added, but stressed that crocodile parts are not for sale.
“Those who culled crocodiles may not be able to sell them unless they are issued licence to sell. This is because crocodiles are protected species under our law.
“So far this year alone we have issued about five licences to cull crocodiles following fatal attacks in Santubung, Pusa, Baram, Sebuyau, Selalang and Paloh,” he said.
Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Minister for Natural Resources and Environment