ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) today warned the public to be cautious of snakes while doing spring cleaning in preparation for Chinese New Year celebrations.
APM training director Fazlisyah Muslim said that the El Nino phenomenon, coinciding with the festive season, could cause droughts, prompting reptiles to find shelter in cooler spots such as toilets and bathrooms.
He strongly advised against attempting to handle any snakes encountered and instead immediately contact the authorities for assistance.
"We urge the public to be cautious when spring cleaning their homes for the festive season, especially under furniture, in the bathrooms and kitchens. It's wise to inspect such areas first, perhaps with a stick, to ensure no dangerous creatures are lurking.
"Moreover, avoid cleaning alone. In an emergency, a companion can be crucial for quick response and ensuring that any incidents are promptly and efficiently addressed," he said during a press conference after opening APM training programmes for 2024 at APM Kota Star headquarters here today.
Fazlisyah said that the APM had captured and relocated a total of 104,859 snakes in residential areas last year.
He said that Selangor had the highest number of cases at 16,160, followed by Johor with 11,163 cases, Perak (11,093), Kelantan (9,788), and Kedah (8,067).
"For January this year, we've already recorded 10,296 cases nationwide, predominantly involving pythons and cobras.
"It's crucial to note that snake encounters are more common in urban settings, as evidenced by the statistics showing Alor Star being Kedah's highest number of cases at 1,478," he added.
Meanwhile, Fazlisyah assured that the APM was prepared to collaborate with other relevant agencies to aid the public during emergencies throughout the festive season and dry spell.
"We anticipate increased traffic and population influx in certain states. We've made all necessary preparations to assist the public.
"We have deployed officers to conduct monitoring operations in areas prone to emergencies to ensure swift action," he added.
Commenting further, he advised civilians to take precautionary measures during the dry season, including avoiding outdoor activities during the day and staying hydrated.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) website today, the current dry spell is expected to continue in the coming days.
Dry and hot weather is forecasted in the northern states of the Peninsula, with temperatures exceeding 35-degree Celsius.
However, thunderstorms and heavy rain with strong winds may still occur in some inland and western areas of the Peninsula as well as Sarawak and Sabah.