Malaysian Villagers Break Taboo to Hunt Crocodiles Amid Rising Attacks

An ancient taboo forbidding the hunting of crocodiles has been broken in an indigenous community in Malaysia's Sarawak state, as a surge in reptile attacks prompts villagers to take matters into their own hands.

Daniel Muking, the headman of the community, stated, "It has eaten my child, so I have every right to kill it," referring to the crocodile villagers identified as responsible for his son's death in May 2024. This personal tragedy exemplifies the growing danger posed by crocodiles in the region.

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

Sarawak, located on Borneo island, has experienced a significant increase in crocodile encounters and attacks in recent years. The crocodile population has rebounded to over 25,000 in 2024, a stark contrast to their near extinction in the 1980s due to overexploitation. This resurgence has led to a tragic toll, with 22 deaths recorded between 2023 and 2025, and five fatalities already reported this year.

Authorities are attempting to navigate the complex balance between wildlife conservation and the safety of riverside communities. The Sarawak state government has begun issuing hunting licenses and launched a mobile application for the public to report crocodile sightings. While crocodile encounters have become more frequent, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation notes that attacks have actually declined compared to two decades ago. They suggest crocodiles may be venturing closer to human settlements in search of easier food sources. Licensed hunters and local communities are collaborating to relocate crocodiles away from populated areas, offering some families like Daniel's a measure of closure.

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Crocodiles may be appearing more frequently near (human) settlements because they can find food more easily there.