I WOULD like to highlight a growing problem we are experiencing in the country.

There has been a number of crocodile sightings terrorising residents and those that make a living or do recreational activities near the water.

A boy was taken by a crocodile in Tutong District recently while a woman had a close encounter with one in the Belait District that miraculously saw her escaping with some serious injuries.

There were also sightings in the Brunei-Muara and Belait districts.

It is clear that there is an exponential growth in their population and with the development of Pulau Muara Besar and the three major bridges in Brunei-Muara District, the crocodiles are moving out of their natural habitat.

There is definitely a fine line between conservation, protection of wildlife and the safe guarding of human lives.

Catching the crocodiles and moving them to another location is NOT the answer.

The authorities need to allow the hunting of these crocodiles to control their population or there will be more fatalities.

A recent report in the newspaper saw the authorities asking the public to be more vigilant. Is that the best the authorities can do?

I plead with the authorities to take progressive action to protect the lives of those around the water.

Are the authorities willing to be responsible for another death of a fellow human?

Authorities in neighbouring Sarawak have issued hunting licences to locals to try and keep the population in check.

Obviously strict hunting methods should be observed to ensure the crocodiles are killed instantly to prevent suffering.

As firearms and weapons for hunting are restricted in Brunei, perhaps we could deploy the military to hunt them.

– Croc Fear