Malaysia's Sarawak Grapples with Rising Crocodile Encounters

A community in Malaysia's Sarawak state is grappling with a surge in crocodile encounters, a stark departure from the past when locals adhered to an unspoken rule of leaving the reptiles undisturbed. The taboo was shattered for headman Daniel Muking when his son became a victim of a crocodile attack in May 2024. Sarawak, located on Borneo island, has witnessed a significant rise in crocodile encounters as the reptile population has rebounded to over 25,000 in 2024, a dramatic recovery from near extinction in the 1980s due to overexploitation. This increase has led to a tragic toll, with 22 deaths attributed to crocodile attacks between 2023 and 2025, including five fatalities already this year. In response, Sarawak Deputy Natural Resources Minister Len Talif Salleh stated that authorities must strike a balance between wildlife conservation and the safety of communities living near rivers. The state government has implemented measures such as issuing hunting licenses and launching a mobile application for the public to report crocodile sightings, aiming to manage the growing population. While encounters are more frequent, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation noted that attacks have decreased compared to two decades ago, suggesting crocodiles are drawn to settlements by easier access to food. Authorities are working with licensed hunters and local communities to relocate crocodiles from areas near human settlements. For families like Daniel Muking's, these efforts offer a sense of closure, particularly after the crocodile identified as responsible for his son's death was hunted down. Muking expressed a desire to consume the crocodile's flesh, highlighting the deep personal impact of the attacks.

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It has eaten my child, so I have every right to kill it.