MALACCA: Snakes are slithering out in the year of the snake at least that is the case in Gapam, Ayer Keroh, where dozens of King Cobras were seen coming out of hibernation in several areas in a housing estate nearby.

Residents are gripped by fear after several people had close encounters with the long slithery and venomous reptile.

Some had even decided to spend their Chap Goh Meh celebrations yesterday either holed up inside their houses or away from home, fearing visits from the unwelcome guests.

Malacca Tourism Association (MTA) president Madelina Kuah was among the residents who had a close encounter with the venomous snake two days ago.

The snake which came into her house at about 3.30am was about 1.5m long.

Kuah's dalmatian dog that fought with the snake was killed.

“It was a terrifying experience for me and my family. All of us screamed when we saw the snake.

“We called the Fire and Rescue Department but before they came, my husband managed to kill the snake. We were so worried about the safety of our children,” she said yesterday.

Kuah said several of her neighbours, too, had horrifying experiences when cobras slithered into their homes.

Previously, Ayer Keroh state assemblyman Khoo Poay Tiong said cobras of the Naja Sumtrana species inhibited the secondary jungles edging Ayer Keroh.

Naja Sumtrana or Malayan Spitting Cobra is highly venomous but its population in the country is very small and the species is under threat of going extinct.

The cobras are usually either bluish-black, medium or dark brown in colour and could reach about as long 1.5m in length.

Khoo said the residents, especially those living in Ayer Keroh Height here, had sighted dozens of these cobras in recent times.

Many residents have voiced their fear that the snakes may turn vicious if their nests are disturbed.

The snakes are believed to have encroached into the housing estates after their natural habitats were destroyed due to rapid development in the surrounding areas.

Khoo claimed that residents had even sighted a giant King Cobra, dubbed by the locals as raja naga.

“The fangs of this raja naga is said to be long. Just imagine what would have happened if these cobras started attacking the people.

“Cobras are known as one of the deadliest reptiles, I hope the relevant authorities act fast to relocate the snakes before something untoward happens,” he said.

Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council president Sapiah Haron said she would dispatch her team to capture the snakes at several identified spots.

“We believe the cobras have made empty lots in certain housing estates their homes. We will summon the owners of these empty lots before clearing them,” she said.

• Market takes a breather
• ECM Libra plans to exit PN17 by year-end
• China HSBC flash PMI hits 7-mth low, fans growth fears
• RHB Research maintains Buy on KPJ Healthcare, FV RM7.30
• Alliance Neutral on Axiata, ups target price to RM7
• Deleum top loser, down 11.3% after disappointing results
• Maybank KE Research maintains Hold on AirAsia
• Public Invest Research ups Uzma target price to RM2.86
• Malaysia's blue chips fall more than 6pts in early trade
• Profit taking may weigh on Malaysian equities
• HP raises 2013 outlook as Whitman's plan takes hold
• Bernanke says more progress needed before stimulus pullback
• Wall Street falters in volatile session on Fed worries
• Aeon director: GST won’t affect group
• Petronas Chemicals Group to invest RM3bil in capital expenditure

• Two babies among US tornado victims
• Anti-Islamist protests flare following London attack
• 'British solider' butchered in suspected Islamist attack

• Ice queen Nicol into British Open quarters
• Australia to consider following ban on anchor putters
• Intxausti wins 16th stage, Nibali still keeps pink jersey
• Indonesia drawn to meet China again – in knockout stage
• Results worldwide
• Malacca sprinter Mohd Azam Masri out to create history by winning five events in MSSM meet
• Athletics runs in the veins of Vallabouy family
• Chinese long jumper Jinzhe claims another Olympic scalp
• Dane Jorgensen’s wish is to avoid Chinese ace Lin Dan in World Championships
• National badminton team’s lack of depth a glaring factor in home tourney
• Khim Wah-V Shem perform above expectations in Sudirman Cup debut
• Jindapon aims to qualify for 2016 Olympics
• Kenichi’s goal is to take Japan into Sudirman Cup semi-finals
• Dong-keun shows he’s a capable replacement
• Harrison makes swift U-turn

• Please wait.

• Actress’ barking pet saves her from attacker in late night incident
• In China, food scares put Mao's self-sufficiency goal at risk
• What comes after WYY?
• All four accused guilty in murder of Sosilawati Lawiya and three others (Update)
• Chromebook to help rural pupils leapfrog into parity with urban peers
• Free entry to MATTA Fair in Penang
• Astro and Maxis to deliver new-age TV service in Klang Valley
• Asean flavour in Invest M’sia confab
• Petronas Chemicals Group to invest RM3bil in capital expenditure
• Report: AirAsia X sets indicative price for IPO