Kelantan: 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, cases began rising noticeably in early March. In the first four months of this year alone, 3,625 snake captures were recorded statewide. Colonel Mohd Adzhar noted that 867 cases were recorded in January, 937 in February, 970 in March, and 851 in April, with expectations of the trend continuing into May. He anticipates the total number of cases this year to surpass the 11,260 recorded in 2023.

To address the surge, APM has deployed two dedicated teams in Kota Bharu, involving over 10 personnel ready to respond swiftly to public reports. Colonel Mohd Adzhar highlighted that the majority of snakes caught were cobras, monocled cobras, and pythons, often found in cluttered or poorly maintained areas. He explained that during hot weather, snakes tend to seek cooler hiding spots, including inside homes.

Residents are advised to keep their surroundings clean and organised and to regularly move stored items to minimise the chances of snakes nesting nearby. Colonel Mohd Adzhar also encouraged the public to learn how to identify venomous and non-venomous snakes as a basic safety measure, emphasising that prevention starts at home with a tidy environment reducing hiding spots and lowering the risk of encounters.

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