Terengganu: For most people, just catching sight of a snake is enough to send shivers down the spine. But for a female officer of the Civil Defence Force in Terengganu, facing venomous reptiles is all in a day's work, part of her mission to keep the community safe.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, over her 16-year career, Second Lieutenant (PA) Farah Nadia Abdullah has handled more than 700 snake cases, including highly venomous and dangerous species such as king cobras, monocled cobras, and reticulated pythons. The 38-year-old, serving with Kuala Nerus APM, said courage and knowledge of reptile behaviour are key to keeping operations safe for both officers and the public.
Farah Nadia described learning from a colleague skilled in snake handling how to understand their behaviour and safely tame them. She emphasized the importance of assessing whether a snake has been hit, as it tends to be more aggressive afterward. Her snake-handling skills were passed down from her late grandfather, Tahir Bidin, a renowned snake catcher, which she combined with professional training at APM to excel in a male-dominated field.
The fearless spirit is shared by Junior Officer (PA) Nurin Qurratu Ain Norrozi, who has never feared snakes since childhood. This courage now defines her daily duty. Nurin Qurratu Ain mentioned that new APM recruits are guided by experienced officers before joining real operations, ensuring they learn to handle and control snakes safely.
Since joining APM after graduating from Politeknik Besut in 2022, Nurin Qurratu Ain has participated in hundreds of snake capture and relocation operations. Despite initial doubts from others about her career choice, she demonstrated her passion for the work and assured her parents of her safety, gaining their support.
APM deputy director (Operations) Major (PA) Mohd Hafiz Asikin highlighted that 100 of the state's 380 personnel are women, with nearly all trained to handle venomous animals. He explained that all new recruits must complete basic and venomous animal handling courses, emphasizing observation skills before leading operations based on experience and skills.