By WU VUIDE
KINABATANGAN: School outreach sessions on human-crocodile conflict have been held at five schools in Kinabatangan to teach students how to stay safe around crocodiles.
The sessions organised by the Sabah Wildlife Department with funding from Yayasan Hasanah under its Hasanah Special Grant 2025, involved students from SMK Bukit Garam 2, SMK Paris, SK Batu Puteh, SK Paris and SK Bukit Garam.
The programme is part of a two-year pilot project to reduce human-crocodile conflict and improve community-based conservation of Crocodylus porosus in Sabah’s aquatic habitats.
The project uses community-based education and data collection to improve public safety and support long-term crocodile management.
After the initial talks and workshops, facilitators returned to the schools to assess what students had retained.
At the primary schools, 30 students from each school took part in poster competitions on crocodile safety and the species’ ecological role.
SK Batu Puteh principal Ahmed Tawang said crocodiles were an important part of the Kinabatangan ecosystem and tourism industry.
“Communities simply need to find a sustainable middle ground to coexist safely with them,” he said.
SK Bukit Garam principal Faridah Jamil, a native of the area, said changes in the river environment had affected interactions between people and crocodiles.
“As a local Orang Sungai, I grew up swimming in the Kinabatangan River without fear,” she said.
She said the community needed to understand crocodile behaviour and explore ways to live alongside the animals rather than relying only on culling.
Danau Girang Field Centre director Professor Benoit Goossens said education was important in reducing fear and improving safety.
“Coexistence begins with knowledge,” he said.
The project team will next conduct community awareness sessions in villages across Kinabatangan.
Faridah (centre), received an appreciation certificate from a representative from Yayasan Hasanah.
