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Revenge Hunt: Father Kills Crocodile After Son's Fatal Attack in Malaysia
3 Aug
Summary
- Crocodile population in Sarawak has rebounded to over 25,000.
- Twenty-two people have died in crocodile attacks between 2023 and 2025.
- Authorities issue hunting licenses and use an app to manage crocodile population.
In Sarawak, Malaysia, an indigenous community's long-held belief of leaving crocodiles undisturbed has been shattered following a fatal attack on a village headman's son in May 2026. The grieving father expressed his right to hunt the reptile that claimed his child's life.
This incident occurs as Sarawak's crocodile population has surged to over 25,000 by 2026, a dramatic recovery from near extinction in the 1980s. Consequently, crocodile encounters and attacks have become more frequent, resulting in 22 reported deaths between 2023 and 2025, with five fatalities already this year.
Authorities are seeking a balance between wildlife conservation and public safety. Measures include issuing hunting licenses and launching a public reporting application for crocodile sightings. Licensed hunters and local communities collaborate to relocate crocodiles from areas near human settlements. The successful hunting of the crocodile identified in the recent fatal attack has provided closure for the victim's family.
