Kota Kinabalu: Rising safety concerns over crocodile attacks along the Kinabatangan River have prompted calls in the Sabah Legislative Assembly to allow controlled hunting without a licence in critical situations.
Lamag Assemblyman Mohd Ismail Ayob said the presence of crocodiles along the river continues to pose a threat to villagers, particularly those who depend on it for their livelihood.
“The Kinabatangan River is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, but the presence of crocodiles also brings safety risks to the local community, especially fishermen who rely on it as a source of income,” he said.
To address this, he proposed targeted measures, including controlled population management such as relocation or special hunting in certain situations, closer monitoring in high-risk areas and a dedicated response team to handle incidents more efficiently.
“These steps are important to ensure the safety of residents and to reduce the risk of incidents that could threaten lives,” he added.
Mohd Ismail also highlighted worsening water issues in several villages, including Kampung Sangau, Kampung Kulu-Kulu, Kampung Balat and Kampung Lokan, saying the situation had been aggravated by the current dry spell.
“Especially during the drought, these villages are facing serious water shortages. Until today, I, together with the Kinabatangan MP, have been sending clean water to these villages.
“We hope that through the government’s Non-Revenue Water (NRW) projects, these villages will be given the necessary attention,” he said.
Meanwhile, he referred to the September 2025 blackout, which left parts of Sabah’s east coast without power for nearly a week, as an example of how infrastructure gaps can affect both daily life and economic activity.
“The disruption not only affected daily life but also had a significant impact on economic activities,” he said, while welcoming efforts to strengthen supply through the Southern Link project.
On economic development, Mohd Ismail said greater emphasis should be placed on strengthening tourism and supporting local handicraft industries.
“With continuous support such as skills training and better promotion, the handicraft industry can become an additional source of income and attract tourists to better understand local culture,” he said.
He added that such efforts could help position Lamag as a more competitive tourism destination while preserving its cultural identity.
Mohd Ismail also voiced support for youth development initiatives and welcomed the approval of a sports complex in Lamag.
“The construction of this sports complex is important as it provides facilities for youth and can serve as a centre for healthy community activities,” he said, adding that it could also create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy.
Looking ahead, he proposed setting up a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institute in Kinabatangan to equip local youths with industry-relevant skills.
“I would like to suggest that the government consider establishing a skills institute in Kinabatangan focusing on areas such as automotive, mechanical, modern agriculture, hospitality, and tourism.
“This will open up opportunities for local youths and support the development of a skilled workforce,” he added.
