KOTA BHARU - A total of 11,641 snake-catching cases were recorded by the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) in Kelantan throughout last year.
Kelantan APM deputy director, Lt. Col. (PA) Mohd Farid Ishak, said Kota Bharu district recorded the highest number of at 5,327 cases, followed by Bachok (2,914 cases) and Machang (2,749 cases).
"We received a total of 25,218 emergency calls, which include incidents involving the presence of reptiles (snakes) in residential and public areas.
"All captured snakes are handed over to the Kelantan Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) for further action, including release following established procedures,” he said in a statement today.
Farid added that Kelantan APM also handled 6,554 cases of insect nest removal, 2,934 cases of capturing wild animals, and 1,256 cases involving patients or sick individuals.
"In addition, 849 cases involved fallen trees, 532 road accidents, and 399 incidents concerning domestic animals,” he said.
He also advised the public not to take matters into their own hands when faced with dangerous animals, but to immediately contact the APM emergency hotline to ensure everyone’s safety. - BERNAMA