KOTA BHARU, Dec 17 — The state Civil Defence Force (APM) caught 7,817 snakes of various species, this year.
Kelantan APM director Zainuddin Hussin said the largest snake captured as of November this year was a six-metre long reticulated python (ular sawa batik), weighing almost 100 kilogrammes (kg), at Kampung Lawar, Jeli on June 3.
He said the python was caught after villagers spotted it at a rubber estate and were afraid to go out to work there.
“APM carried out an inspection at the rubber estate and found the python in a wet area.
“A team of six APM personnel successfully caught the python and was shocked to see its length and huge size,” he said.
Zainuddin said 177 snakes of various species were captured in several districts in the state when the first wave of floods hit Kelantan beginning Dec 1,
“Usually we catch these reptiles after receiving reports from residents on their (snakes) presence at their homes .
Those who encounter the reptiles were urged to immediately alert the rescue team, who is well-equipped and skilful in catching the reptiles,
He said Kota Baru district recorded the highest number captured with 2,180 snakes, followed by Bachok (834), Tanah Merah (766) and the rest in Pasir Puteh, Gua Musa, Kuala Krai, Pasir Mas, Tumpat, Jeli, Machang and Rantau Panjang.
Besides the python, he said, other species caught included monocled cobra, king cobra, rat snake and viper.
All the snakes were handed over to the state Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).
Source: BERNAMA