MELAKA'S Stadthuys is one of the oldest Dutch colonial buildings in Asia and one of the city's most visited landmarks, drawing tourists and locals alike to its brightly lit surroundings late into the night.
For one woman stopping there after a late shift last Monday (June 22), the evening took a terrifying turn when a man approached her car carrying a live snake.
Did a street performer really thrust a snake into a woman's car near Melaka's Stadthuys?
Verdict:
TRUE
Nik Hanis Allysa Abdullah, 21, a sales assistant, said the incident occurred at around 11pm while she was stopped outside the Stadthuys building in Banda Hilir with a friend and her younger sibling after finishing work.
She said a man approached her car and thrust the reptile through the open front window despite her repeated protests.
"I had asked the man several times not to put the snake into the car, but he kept pushing it towards me until I was in tears.
"In a panic, I opened the car door and lifted one leg to avoid the snake, but forgot to change the gear of the vehicle which was still in drive mode.
"The car moved forward while one of my legs was outside. Fortunately nothing worse happened," said Nik Hanis.
She expressed hope that the relevant authorities would take appropriate action against the individual, saying his behaviour not only frightened members of the public but had the potential to cause accidents.
Melaka Historic City Council mayor Datuk Shadan Othman said the council viewed the incident seriously and was tracking down the individual to identify him.
He said the council has never issued a permit or licence to any street performer involving animals due to safety and hygiene concerns.
"We are tracking down the individual involved and if identified, compound action will be taken. We are also investigating whether he is someone who has previously submitted a licence application to the council," said Shadan.
He said street performers looking to operate in the area must ensure the safety of themselves and the public, and must obtain a valid permit from the council.
Acting Melaka Tengah district police chief Superintendent Halim Abas said police had not received any report related to the viral incident as of the time of writing.
Source:
