SPAOH – Residents of Kampung Hulu Spaoh were startled on Thursday morning, 9 July 2026, when a black snake entered their home, prompting an urgent call to the NG999 emergency line.
The complainant, Ms Sanisah, contacted authorities at 8.31 am after spotting the reptile inside her house. Concerned for the safety of her family, she immediately requested assistance from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).
Four members of the Spaoh APM Bravo Squad were dispatched to the scene. The team conducted a careful search around the premises before locating the snake, which turned out to be a baby rat snake approximately one foot in length. The reptile was discovered hiding inside a shoe rack.
Using specialised equipment, the officers captured the snake safely and removed it from the property to prevent any risk to the residents.
The operation was completed by 9.09 am, and the team returned to the District Operations Control Centre (PKOD) six minutes later without incident.
APM Spaoh commended the complainant for her quick action in reporting the case, stressing that immediate communication is vital in ensuring public safety.
The agency reminded residents to remain vigilant and to contact emergency services promptly if they encounter venomous or potentially dangerous animals in residential areas.
Wildlife experts note that snakes often seek shelter in homes during hot weather or when searching for food.
In rural districts such as Spaoh, encounters with snakes are relatively common due to the proximity of residential areas to vegetation and farmland.
Rat snakes, though not venomous, can still cause alarm when found indoors. Authorities continue to advise the public against attempting to capture snakes themselves.
Instead, residents are urged to contact emergency hotlines such as NG999 or the APM Spaoh District Operations Control Centre at 083-473006. Trained personnel are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to handle such situations safely.
The Civil Defence Force reiterated its guiding principle of “Ready, Fast, With Integrity”, assuring the community that it remains committed to protecting lives and property.
This latest case highlights the importance of cooperation between the public and emergency services in maintaining safety across Sarawak’s districts.
