HOLIDAYMAKERS at Tanjung Bidara in Melaka experienced quite a shock recently when a python was spotted swimming near bathers.
As many of them scrambled out of the water, officers from the civil defence force apparently arrived on surf boards to save the day and catch the reptile.
Is this true?
Verdict:
TRUE
Holidaymakers at Tanjung Bidara beach in Alor Gajah, Melaka were given a fright when a reticulated python suddenly appeared in the sea.
Melaka Civil Defence Force (APM) officers on their "Baywatch" shift managed to capture it.
The reptile, almost two metres long and weighing about 8kg, was first spotted swimming near bathers at about 12.15pm on Sunday, Sep 21.
Many people rushed out of the water in a panic.
Beachgoers then alerted the APM lifeguards stationed at the Tanjung Bidara watchtower.
Alor Gajah Civil Defence Officer Captain Shahrulnizam Md Shah said two of his men, Lance Corporal Muhammad Shahril Hizhar Anuawi and Private Muhammad Irsyad Dini Tawi, were summoned to capture the reptile.
He said both men intercepted the reptile using surf rescue boards about 25m from the shore.
"This was our first case of catching a python at sea," said Captain Shahrulnizam Md Shah.
"It wasn't an easy task as the snake was agile and dived repeatedly and my men had to track and corner it towards the beach before subduing it," he said.
"The whole operation took around 30 minutes," said Captain Shahrulnizam Md Shah.
The python was believed to have slithered out from the undergrowth near a river mouth by Kem Terendak in search of food.
He advised beachgoers at Tanjung Bidara to stay alert and to immediately report any sightings of dangerous animals to the APM lifeguards on duty.
