KUALA NERUS: The Terengganu Civil Defence Force caught 7,023 snakes in the state between January and November this year.
Its deputy director (Operations), Major (PA) Mohd Hafiz Asikin said his team found that more snakes are being caught in Terengganu, with the highest number of 835 caught in October.
"Weather and humidity factors play an important role (in the rise in cases). When the weather is damp and hot, snakes will enter premises and that is why it is normal that there will be an increase in cases during the monsoon season," he said when met by reporters at the Terengganu APM office here on Monday.
"The highest number of cases was recorded in October due to increased rainfall, followed by the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) which started last month (November). So, we received many reports involving snakes entering houses."
With the expectation of the next wave of flood incidents, he advised flood victims to remain aware of their environment, especially after being allowed to return to their respective houses.
"First of all, secure your house area so that there will not be any issues such as poisonous animals like snakes threatening your safety and health.
"If faced with a situation where a snake enters your house, immediately contact the APM so that we can catch them as our members are all trained in handling such cases. Do not take action yourself," he said.
According to him, the reticulated python (sawa batik) was the most to be caught by his 700-strong team, who are prepared to be mobilised throughout the state for any emergency purposes.
He said all snakes caught will be handed over to the Terengganu Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (Perhilitan) to be released back into their habitats far away from populated areas.- Bernama
