Foreign worker killed by crocodile

POSING DANGER TO VILLAGERS: A large crocodile sunning itself along the bank of the Baram River.

MARUDI: A foreign worker attached to a timber camp near Kuala Tutoh was killed by a crocodile recently.
The police and Fire and Rescue Department here confirmed receiving reports of the man’s tragic demise. Residents in the Baram area still live in the shadow of crocodile attacks.

Crocodiles are often seen lying on riverbanks in the area and sometimes even approach villagers on jetties.

Longhouse folk along the Baram, Tinjar and Bakong rivers depend very much on stream or river water for washing and bathing. Young children, in particular, often play games by the river and this has proven to be dangerous.

Residents hope the authorities concerned would monitor the situation to prevent further attacks in future.

They are also upset that the authorities have investigated residents who killed crocodiles.

This included a resident of a longhouse at Sg Temiang in Lower Bakong, who caught a 20-foot crocodile several years ago.

The man was later interviewed by the authorities and this upset local folk who believe their lives are more important than those of the reptiles.

Borneo Post 15/7/2011