Kelantan APM Reports Daily Spike In Snake Sightings Amid Dry Spell

KOTA BHARU, May 28 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan Civil Defence Force (APM) has seen a sharp rise in snake sightings since the onset of the current hot and dry season, with an average of 30 cases reported daily.

Its director Colonel (PA) Mohd Adzhar Mujab said the highest number of incidents were recorded in Kota Bharu, Bachok, and Pasir Mas.

“Cases began rising noticeably in early March. In the first four months of this year alone, we recorded 3,625 snake captures statewide,” he told Bernama.

He said 867 cases were recorded in January, 937 in February, 970 in March, and 851 in April.

“We expect this upward trend to continue in May and anticipate the total number of cases this year to exceed the 11,260 recorded in 2023,” he added.

To cope with the surge, APM has deployed two dedicated teams in Kota Bharu, involving over 10 personnel to respond swiftly to public reports.

According to Mohd Adzhar, the majority of snakes caught were cobras, monocled cobras, and pythons. These reptiles are often found in cluttered or poorly maintained areas.

“During hot weather, snakes tend to seek cooler hiding spots, including inside homes,” he said.

He advised residents to keep their surroundings clean and organised, and to regularly move stored items to minimise the chances of snakes nesting nearby.

Mohd Adzhar also encouraged the public to learn how to identify venomous and non-venomous snakes as a basic safety measure.

“Prevention starts at home. A tidy environment reduces hiding spots and lowers the risk of encounters,” he said.

In addition to snake cases, APM has also received reports involving hornets and monitor lizards entering homes.

--BERNAMA