Penang's longest python dies

Members of Malaysia's Civil Defence Force pose with a python, that they estimated to be 7.5m (24.6 ft) long and 250kg (551 pounds) in weight, caught near a construction site in Paya Terubong, Penang. - Reuters.

GEORGE TOWN: The 7.5m long python that slithered into the spotlight recently has died.

The reptile, weighing some 250kg, is said to have died on Sunday.

However, it is learnt that the python, believed to be Penang's largest and longest caught so far, had laid an egg a day earlier.

Representatives from the Civil Defence Department (JPAM) said they would provide details of the python on Tuesday.

The snake drew international attention shortly after it was caught at a flyover that was being built in Paya Terubong on Thursday after workers spotted it.

Six JPAM personnel were deployed to catch the reptile that was found under a fallen tree approximately 100m from the nearest road.