Kota Kinabalu: Welfare assistance will be channelled to the farmer who was on Monday fatally bitten by a King Cobra in Sook, Keningau.
“I have instructed the Welfare Department to contact the family to provide assistance immediately,” said Community Development and People’s Well-being Minister Datuk James Ratib, here, Tuesday.
A Wildlife Department official said a police report had been filed and that the area where the incident occurred was being cleaned up in an effort to find the reptile.
Images and photos of the incident began to circulate on social media on Monday with an accompanying message claiming that the venomous snake was defending its nest.
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However, due to the snake’s aggressive temperament, they do not exclude the possibility that there may be a nest.
The official explained that once the snake had been found they would need to kill it.
“Usually, we do it for crocodiles as well. The ranger will gather and dispose of any eggs if there are any,” the official added.
It is understood that the snake is living within the vicinity of the victim’s farm.
“The public are advised against handling snakes on their own.
They should seek help from the Fire and Rescue Department or the Wildlife Department, especially if there is a possibility of a nest nearby,” said the official.
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