Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is strengthening the management of human-crocodile conflict through a science-based, integrated approach instead of deploying permanent special teams along rivers.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal said mitigation measures include integrated operations, management of high-risk crocodiles, public awareness programmes, warning signs and technical cooperation with relevant experts.
Replying to Datuk Junz Wong (Tanjung Aru) during question time in the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday, he said the Sabah State Crocodile Mitigation Operations Committee, established in 2023, coordinates operations involving the Sabah Wildlife Department, police and other agencies.
He said the State Government will further strengthen wildlife conflict management under the 13th Malaysia Plan through monitoring, scientific research, community participation and improved implementation capacity.
Responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Jaujan Sambakong (Sulabayan), Andi said controlled crocodile hunting may be permitted in identified areas subject to the law, while proposals for a crocodile museum and sanctuary would be evaluated.