Sarawak identifies 10 crocodile infested rivers

Sarawak has located 10 rivers which are heavily infested with crocodiles in the state.

Sarawak Forestry Department director Ahmad Sapuan said the rivers are Batang Sadong, Sungai Tuang, Batang Kerian, Sungai Seblak, Sungai Linga, Sungai Sebuyau, Batang Lupar, Batang Saribas, Batang Baram and Sungai Bakong.

"There were eight crocodile attacks recorded from Jan to Sept 2016 with three deaths reported," he told reporters after a meeting with Miri swiftlet farmers and the relevant agencies in the industry here today.

Ahmad said in 2015, 13 crocodile attack cases were reported with eight fatalities.

He said based on a detailed study of 45 rivers in Sarawak spanning 2,108.3 kms, 2,236 crocodiles were spotted and confirmed to be in these rivers.

On the dialogue with swiftlet farm operators, he said it was to clarify the confusion over the RM50 levy imposed on the industry.

"There is so much confusion on the levy, the rate is RM50 for every kilogramme if the birds' nests are for export out of Sarawak," he said.

He said if the weight is less than one kilogramme, the levy is RM5 for every 100 grammes.

He denied allegations that the levy was still RM50 if the bird nest weighs less than one kilogramme.

"The levy period is for six months," he said, adding that it should be paid to the Sarawak Forestry Department. -- BERNAMA