SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Wildlife Department (SWD) has set up a special task force to address human-crocodile conflicts in Sandakan and Beluran.
Sandakan SWD Officer Hussein Muin said the task force, comprising SWD personnel and security agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Maritime Enforcement Agency, Marine Police, Civil Defence Force, Rela and the Fire and Rescue Department, works closely together to provide relevant information to SWD.
“We also maintain data at the State-level SWD office following reports received regarding crocodile sightings,” he said.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});The cooperation from all agencies involved, including those in Kinabatangan and Telupid, has been commendable, alongside information provided by the public.
He said this when met at the Sandakan SWD’s Hari Raya celebration here Monday.
Hussein said the task force remains active until further notice.
He advised the public, especially those living near water bodies or rivers, to always be vigilant of their surroundings and to avoid taking matters into their own hands upon encountering crocodiles.
“Immediately contact the relevant authorities and SWD if you spot the presence of these reptiles, so that appropriate action can be taken,” he added.
