Distressed villager calls APM after python consumes monkey

BALING - A python which swallowed a whole pet monkey was successfully captured by the Malaysian Civil Defense Force (APM) in Kampung Sera Ulu, Pulai, here on Monday.

APM Baling District Officer, Lieutenant (PA) Mohd Faizol Abd Azizm said the presence of the python was noticed by the villagers when they were about to feed their pet monkey behind the house.

He added that the approximately 80-kilogramme reptile was successfully captured by the APM after the villagers contacted them as soon as they realised what had happened.

"In a state of distress seeing his monkey being devoured by the python, the man contacted the APM Baling emergency line for assistance in capturing the reptile.

"Our team received the emergency call at 7.30 am and arrived at the scene 15 minutes later," he said.

Upon arrival,he said that they found a python weighing approximately 80 kilograms and measuring nearly seven meters in length.

"The operation was carried out using special equipment and eventually the python was successfully captured before being taken to the APM Baling office for further action," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Faizul advised the public to be cautious of threats from wild animals and to contact APM Baling at 04-4701626 (24 hours) or 999 for assistance in case of any emergencies.

He added that recent changes in the weather have resulted in an increasing number of cases involving snakes, especially large ones, invading the homes of residents in the area.

He said that during this month, the number of snake-related calls received by APM amounted to 65 cases, including captures of pythons, cobras, and buffalo snakes.