To the rescue: A Johor Civil Defence Force member facing off against two pythons inside a chicken coop in Benut, Pontian.
Over 4,000 snakes captured since September
JOHOR BARU: The past two months saw at least 30 snakes appearing every day along with the floodwaters.
At least 2,000 of these reptiles have been caught by the Johor Civil Defence Force (APM) in the last two months.
“During the monsoon season, we recorded 1,039 cases in November and 1,045 cases in December,” said Johor APM disaster and operations chief Mohd Aziz Jupri.
Overall, he said there had been an increase in such snake appearances in the past four months in which more than 1,000 cases were reported each month.
“In August last year, we received 833 cases of snake encounters. This went up to 1,140 cases in September and 1,134 in October, which was during the monsoon season transition period,” he told The Star.Mohd Aziz said the department caught and released 10,118 snakes from January to December last year.
Those living in flood-prone areas are advised to be extra cautious when returning to their homes after their stay at the temporary relief centres as they must see to it that their surroundings are clean.
“Make sure that trash has been disposed of so that it will not attract any mice. They must also ensure that their garden is cleared of tall grass or overgrown bushes.”He said that homeowners who detect the presence of snakes in their homes should call 999 for help.
“If you’re bitten by a snake, try to give information to the medical team at the clinic or hospital about the skin pattern or shape of the reptile.
“This is so that the correct anti-venom can be prescribed,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Johor Fire and Rescue Department director Siti Rohani Nadir said the flood situation in the state was under control and rescue efforts had been ongoing in Kota Tinggi, Johor Baru, Segamat and Kluang.
“This is the third wave of floods in Johor. I have also conducted surveillance in the four districts. Everything has been going smoothly due to the close cooperation, coordination and help from the other agencies under the state disaster management committee,” she said.
Siti Rohani said the rain was expected to increase the water level in two main rivers in the state, namely Sungai Johor and Sungai Kahang.
