KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 ― Currently protected saltwater crocodiles in Sarawak may soon be hunted and harvested for commercial purposes as their numbers have been rising.

Local daily The Star reported Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as saying that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) agreed to Malaysia’s proposal to downgrade the crocodile from Appendix I to Appendix II at its Johannesburg conference, which means that the reptiles may be culled and traded.

"There is demand for crocodile meat from countries like China, Thailand and Vietnam, while crocodile skin has a high economic value,” Wan Junaidi was quoted saying.

According to the minister, the population of saltwater crocodiles in Sarawak has grown over the past three decades to about 13,500, resulting in more frequent conflicts with humans.

The crocodile population reportedly increased by 108.5 per cent since 1985 in Sungai Samarahan, where two attacks were reported last month, and 38 per cent in Sungai Limbang.

"This exceeds the numbers needed for conservation efforts. The downlisting was approved on the grounds that it will benefit the rural people who depend on rivers as well as boost their economy. At the same time, we will ensure that the harvesting is done in a sustainable manner,” said Wan Junaidi.