SPAOH – A baby snake concealed in the bonnet of a car was successfully captured by the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Spaoh on 27 March 2026, following a public emergency call.
The incident was reported by Mr Yus, who discovered the reptile inside the engine compartment of his vehicle. Concerned for his safety, he contacted the Spaoh APM District Operations Control Centre for immediate assistance.
Three members of the Charlie Squad were swiftly deployed to Kampung Hulu Spaoh, equipped with snake-catching tools.
Upon inspection, the team identified the reptile as a juvenile Rat Snake (Ptyas korros or Ptyas mucosa), which bore similarities in colour to the Selar Snake. Measuring approximately one foot in length, the snake was carefully secured using the pinning technique.
Once captured, the snake was placed inside a Venomous Animal Box to ensure safe handling before being released back into its natural habitat.
The operation was completed without incident, and no injuries were reported. The team returned to the PKOD base within five minutes, with all equipment intact and in good condition.
APM Spaoh highlighted that the swift and safe resolution of the case reflects their guiding principle of being “Ready, Fast, With Integrity”.
The organisation continues to encourage residents to report wildlife encounters promptly, stressing that professional intervention is essential to avoid unnecessary risks.
Rat snakes, though non-venomous, can cause alarm when found in residential areas. Their presence in vehicles or homes is not uncommon in Sarawak, where human activity often overlaps with natural habitats.
APM officials reminded the public not to attempt handling snakes themselves, as improper techniques could lead to accidents.
The Civil Defence Force reiterated its commitment to community safety and urged residents to remain vigilant.
For emergencies, APM Spaoh can be contacted at 083-473006 or through the national emergency line 999, both available 24 hours a day.
