A LEISURELY afternoon at Tanjung Bidara beach quickly turned into a moment of panic after a reticulated python was spotted swimming ashore from the sea, startling beachgoers just after midday yesterday.
The reptile, weighing nearly eight kilograms and measuring approximately two metres in length, was seen moving close to the area where visitors were swimming at around 12.15pm, prompting immediate concern.
Startled by the unexpected sighting, members of the public alerted on-duty officers from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) stationed at the beach’s lifeguard tower.
Captain (PA) Shahrulnizam Md Shah, head of Alor Gajah District Civil Defence, confirmed that two officers were swiftly dispatched to the scene and managed to locate the snake approximately 25 metres from the shoreline.
“Lance Corporal (PA) Muhammad Shahril Hizhar Anuawi and Private (PA) Muhammad Irsyad Dini Tawi used a rescue surfboard and a snake tong to safely capture the animal, to minimise any danger to the public,” he said when contacted.
The rescue operation reportedly took around 30 minutes, made more difficult by the snake’s rapid movements in the water.
“This is the first time we’ve dealt with a python at sea. It was a real challenge, as the snake swam and dove extremely quickly,” Shahrulnizam noted.
It is believed the python had emerged from nearby undergrowth near the mouth of a river close to Kem Terendak, possibly in search of food.
Shahrulnizam also urged the public to remain vigilant while enjoying coastal areas and to immediately report any sightings of wild animals to the relevant authorities. - September 22, 2025
