Dept hopes more will apply for culling licence, prefers croc farms
MIRI: The Forest Department hopes more people will apply for licences to cull crocodiles, even though it prefers the setting- up of more crocodile farms in the state.
Its director Sapuan Ahmad said the department has issued 10 licences to cull crocodiles as part of efforts to reduce the increasing number of the reptiles in rivers in the state, especially those that pose threats to humans.
“There is limitation (to reducing the crocodile population via culling) as even those with licences issued since September have yet to catch and cull any.
“We have yet to receive reports on the number of crocodiles already harvested. Besides, some ( licence holders) reported they have not started (culling) after they had dreams warning them not to do so.
“The taboo in crocodiles is still very strong among our people here,” he said when met after accompanying 17 of his staff to receive the Pingat Perkhidmatan Setia ( PPS) from Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg here yesterday.
Sapuan added those given the licences are not allowed to shoot directly at the reptiles due to “the risk from ricocheting bullets, and should instead trap the crocodiles before culling it for meat.
“Initially, we only issued licences to local residents along Samarahan River and Batang Lupar which are known for high population of crocodiles.
“We encourage more to apply but the department prefers the people to set up crocodile farms to complement the existing two farms – Miri Crocodile Farm at Kuala Baram, Miri and Jong’s Crocodile Farm and Zoo in Kuching,” he said.
He pointed out that these two farms not only rear crocodiles for their meat and skin, for sale locally and internationally, but also serve as important conservation area for the reptiles besides serving as a tourist attraction.