MIRI – A five-metre-long batik python was captured after it was found inside a chicken coop in Miri on 24 September, prompting a response from the local civil defence team.
The incident was handled by Bravo Squad, comprising four personnel and led by Private (PA) Shahrul Mohsin bin Tajul Ariffin.
The team was deployed following a request for assistance from a 35-year-old woman who reported seeing the snake at her chicken coop.
According to the incident report, the woman contacted the MERS999 emergency line and PKOD Miri after becoming concerned about the presence of the large snake. The call led to the deployment of the team to inspect the area and deal with the wildlife incident.
Upon reaching the location, Bravo Squad met the complainant and examined the area she had identified. The team subsequently located the batik python and carried out an operation to remove it from the chicken coop.
The snake, which measured approximately five metres in length, was successfully captured using a snaring technique. The operation was completed without further incident, according to the report.
After securing the python, the personnel returned to PKOD Miri. The squad arrived back safely after completing the response.
The incident highlights the need for members of the public to seek assistance when encountering potentially dangerous wildlife in or around residential and agricultural areas.
Batik pythons are among the largest snake species and can be found in parts of Southeast Asia, including Sarawak.
In this case, the snake was discovered in a chicken coop, an area where domestic animals could potentially come into contact with wildlife.
The reported sighting prompted the occupant to seek help rather than attempt to handle the animal herself. The response was carried out by Bravo Squad as part of its duties in dealing with the reported emergency.
The operation involved inspecting the location, capturing the python and returning to the Miri operations centre after the task was completed.
The incident report did not provide further details on the circumstances that led to the python entering the chicken coop or its subsequent handling after capture.
