RESIDENTS of Jalan Burung Garuda in Taman Bukit Maluri, Kuala Lumpur, want the authorities to clear overgrowth behind their terrace houses, following a video that showed a pet cat fighting with a snake.
This overgrown strip of land is about 9m from the nearest houses.
The 11-second video showed a cat biting the reptile on the head before flinging it to the ground.
In the battle between mammal and reptile, the cat, fortunately, emerged as victor.
Experts who had identified the snake said that it was a monocled cobra.
Though still a snakelet, its venom can be just as strong as a mature serpent’s, which means that its bite can be fatal.
Jalan Burung Garuda residents said the incident, which took place a week ago, was not an isolated one.
They said sightings of snakes in their premises has become a common occurrence because of the overgrowth of vegetation behind their houses, and this has made them fearful for their safety.
“The area behind our houses has been left unattended for a long time,” said resident Lim Tong Foo, 70.
“One tenant took advantage of the situation to build an illegal extension to store construction materials, without having any action taken against him.
“In addition, the drains have not been cleared for years.
“As a result, they are blocked and have become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, causing a rise in dengue cases in our neighbourhood,” said Lim, who has lived in Taman Bukit Maluri for the past 40 years.
Lim and several other residents highlighted their concerns during a press conference organised by social activist Yee Poh Ping.
As the land is parallel to the tracks near the Kepong KTM station, Yee urged Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) – which manages KTMB railway assets – to upkeep and upgrade areas under their purview.
“This will enhance the surroundings for public transport users from Taman Bukit Maluri and Bandar Manjalara as well as encourage more people to use public transport,” said Yee.
When contacted, RAC in a media statement to StarMetro, confirmed that the area with the overgrowth fell under its land reserve, where part of a walkway linking to the Kepong KTM Station is located.
“In order to ensure the area remains well-maintained, the frequency of cleaning work in the area will be increased to once a month starting this year-end, compared to once every two months before this.
“We will take immediate action to clear the overgrowth behind residents’ houses,” said RAC.
On illegal encroachments, RAC said that as many as 15 houses had built illegal extensions on RAC land.
“This was found during a site visit conducted on Oct 7.
“Notices will be issued to the houseowners to vacate the area.
“The matter will also be referred to the Federal Territories Director Lands and Mines Office and Kuala Lumpur City Hall for further action,” said RAC.
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