SANDAKAN – Four snakes wandering around different public areas here were caught yesterday, the Sandakan Civil Defence Force (SDF) said.
The first snake, a three metres long python, weighing 15kg was captured outside a supermarket near a bus terminal in Sandakan, the second one, also a python, which is four metres long, weighing 50kg was caught at Jalan Sibuga Mile 5, after it entered a chicken barn.
Another python, two metres long, and weighing 35kg was captured in Kampung Karamunting Batu Sapi, while the SDF also caught a one-metre-long gold-ringed cat snake in Taman Rajawali Mile 7 here, yesterday at about 9pm.
SDF officer, Abdullah Sabaruddin said members of the public, and SDF officers themselves are at great risk when facing these reptiles.
“Once it bites, the python does not let go of you. So, any body part that is bitten by a python would result in serious injuries.

“Snakes are generally dangerous, so we urge for members of the public who spot any snakes to call 999 immediately, instead of attempting to handle the snakes themselves,” he told The Vibes.
Abdullah added, factors like snakes looking for food, changing its skin, and trying to protect itself as reasons why they are out in the open.
To date, the SDF has captured a total of 354 snakes in the district, 233 of them pythons. – The Vibes, October 17, 2020.