TANJUNG MANIS – The Civil Defence Force’s (APM) Tanjung Manis unit managed to catch a black cobra, which was spotted in the drain of a house at Lorong J29, Perumahan Lama Pusaka, yesterday evening.
The District Operations Control Centre (PKOD) received a distress call from residents at about 7.38pm, and three APM personnel were dispatched to the scene immediately. When they arrived, the team found the venomous snake, around a metre long, hiding in the front drain of the property.
PBT (PA) Rini Anak Minik, with the assistance of two colleagues, led the operation. The team had successfully secured the cobra in less than ten minutes using snake-handling tweezers without injuring either residents or officers. The snake was then captured and taken away to mitigate any other danger.
Cobras are not rarely encountered in Sarawak. In recent weeks, similar rescues have been made in Selangau, where APM officers managed to catch a black cobra inside the store, and in Miri, when homeowners discovered snakes inside their gardens and storage areas.
Such cases underscore the adaptability of cobras, which commonly seek refuge in human residential areas, particularly during hot spells or while foraging for food.
The wildlife authorities have repeatedly advised the public to stay vigilant when encountering snakes. According to the Sarawak Forest Department, cobras are dangerous but help control rodent populations. But residents are advised never to try dealing with such snakes on their own and should immediately call emergency services if they spot one.
The incident highlights how alertness by the community and swift action by local authorities can lead to a successful resolution. Residents said they were relieved by the swift action, pointing out that a venomous snake in a residential area would pose a danger to families and children.
The Civil Defence Force has reiterated its earlier appeals for the public to report any unusual wildlife sightings immediately. The readiness and availability of specialised equipment have been crucial to ensuring the safety of such operations.
