Abdul Yakub Arbi
MUKAH: Jungle foragers are advised to prioritise safety and avoid putting themselves in harm’s way.
Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said those who depend on forest resources must never take things for granted no matter how experienced they are.
“When in the forest, please take care of your safety as well as that of those accompanying you as it is the most important. Avoid activities that can endanger you,” he told Utusan Borneo yesterday.
Abdul Yakub was commenting on the deaths of two friends who were bitten by snakes while searching for tropical fruits. A third victim survived but is currently hospitalised.
He said even though one may depend on forest resources for a living, respect must be shown to enable them to continue enjoying the resources.
“We take from the forest and thus should show respect to the forest as it brings us income,” he added.
In the incident, five villagers entered the jungle on Saturday with two of them departing earlier.
The remaining trio went deeper into the jungle where they came across a nest of snakes under a tree.
According to police, one of the men disturbed the nest causing the snakes to attack them.
The victims were found Sunday morning by rescuers with snake bites on their body.
Two of them were already dead while the third was in a weakened state and sent to Mukah Hospital, where he is reportedly in stable condition.