A 70-YEAR-OLD woman in Kampung Ketembar, Masjid Kuala Pegang, near Baling, Kedah had a frightening encounter with a nearly five-metre-long king cobra while attempting to use her home bathroom early this morning.
The elderly resident, who lives with two grandchildren, was startled when she opened the bathroom door and discovered the massive snake coiled inside.
Acting quickly, she contacted her son before alerting local fire and rescue services.
Zulkhairi Mat Tanjil, Assistant Fire Superintendent and Head of the Baling Fire and Rescue Station, said the call was received at 6.40 am, prompting an immediate response.
A six-member team led by Senior Fire Officer Mohd Basri Osman arrived shortly thereafter.
“The fire crew took around 30 minutes to safely capture the snake, as it was aggressive, rising about one metre in height,” Zulkhairi said.
“Using only a snake clamp, our team faced significant risks because the bathroom was narrow, requiring extreme caution to prevent any incidents.”
He explained that the cobra had likely entered the house through an uncovered bathroom pipe. Fortunately, the reptile was safely captured and later released back into its natural habitat, far from residential areas.
Zulkhairi advised the public to remain vigilant during the current unpredictable weather, which has created cooler and damper conditions conducive to snakes entering homes. - November 21, 2025
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