KINABATANGAN: A series of school outreach sessions aimed at mitigating human-crocodile conflict concluded across five schools in the Kinabatangan region, equipping local students with vital safety knowledge and promoting peaceful coexistence with Crocodylus porosus.
Co-organised by the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) with funding from Yayasan Hasanah under the Hasanah Special Grant (HSG) 2025, the educational drive involved secondary students from SMK Bukit Garam 2 and SMK Paris, as well as primary pupils from SK Batu Puteh, SK Paris and SK Bukit Garam.
The initiative is part of a broader two-year pilot project titled “Mitigating Human-Crocodile Conflict and Enhancing Community-Based Conservation of Crocodylus porosus in Sabah’s Aquatic Habitats.” The project adopts an evidence-based, community-centred approach to improve public safety, reduce human-wildlife conflict and gather critical data for long-term crocodile conservation management across Sabah.
Following initial interactive talks and workshops, project facilitators conducted follow-up visits to evaluate knowledge retention among the youth.
At the primary school level, 30 students per school participated in team-based poster design competitions, demonstrating their understanding of crocodile safety and ecological importance through creative artwork.
The programme received strong backing from local school administrators, who highlighted both the economic and ecological necessity of protecting native wildlife.
“Crocodiles are one of Borneo’s iconic ‘Big 5’ species and a major draw for tourists visiting the Kinabatangan, directly contributing to our local eco-tourism economy,” said SK Batu Puteh principal Ahmed bin Tawang.
“Beyond their economic value, they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Communities simply need to find a sustainable middle ground to coexist safely with them.”Echoing this sentiment, SK Bukit Garam principal Puan Faridah Jamil shared a personal reflection as a native of the area.
“As a local Orang Sungai, I grew up swimming in the Kinabatangan River without fear. Over time, shrinking habitats — driven largely by human activity — have turned crocodiles into opportunistic predators. We deeply appreciate agencies like Danau Girang Field Centre coming to educate our youth that coexisting with crocodiles is entirely possible, and that culling is not the only solution.”“Coexistence begins with knowledge. When we teach our children to understand crocodiles rather than fear them, we are not only protecting people — we are protecting one of Borneo’s most important species.
Puan Faridah Haji Jamil of SK Bukit Garam presenting a certificate of appreciation to a representative from Danau Girang Field Centre.The future of the Kinabatangan depends on finding a balance where both communities and crocodiles can thrive,” concluded Prof Benoit Goossens, Director of Danau Girang Field Centre.
With the school outreach phase now complete, the Danau Girang Field Centre project team will turn its focus toward upcoming community awareness sessions across local villages in the Kinabatangan district.