By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah cannot permit unlicensed crocodile hunting at present as it would contravene existing laws and could jeopardise ecosystem sustainability, says state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
He said the crocodile species found in Sabah, Crocodylus porosus, was listed under Schedule 2, Part I, which classifies it as a protected animal under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
At international level, the species is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
"Therefore, Sabah is unable to allow unlicensed crocodile hunting for now as it would contravene existing legal provisions and could jeopardise ecosystem sustainability.
"However, for Sabah and Sarawak, the species has been downlisted to Appendix II with CITES approval to allow regulated crocodile farming and export activities.
"This reclassification is the result of effective crocodile management plans implemented in Sabah," he said in his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly sitting.
Jafry said the ministry was implementing a comprehensive approach through integrated operations, issuance of hunting licences to control population levels, awareness programmes, installation of warning signage, scientific studies, and pilot projects in Batu Puteh, Kinabatangan.
Based on 2025 data, Sabah recorded 11 fatalities and three injury cases due to crocodile attacks.
Most incidents occurred in oil palm plantation areas during fishing activities.
Two of the fatalities were in Kinabatangan involving foreign workers.
"The licensing system is designed to regulate hunting activities and the trade of crocodile-based products such as skins and meat, while curbing uncontrolled exploitation and illegal sales," he said.
On human-elephant conflict, Jafry said the Sabah Wildlife Department had implemented measures including GPS tracking of elephant movements, installation of electric fencing in hotspot areas, and establishment and training of elephant response teams involving local communities.
He added that public awareness programmes were ongoing, alongside collaboration with stakeholders through pilot projects involving the planting of elephant food sources to reduce encroachment into residential areas.
Comments
Post a Comment