ALOR SETAR: Starting this month, the inter-monsoon season will bring heavy rainfall and floods - as well as wild and venomous animals, especially snakes.

These creatures may seek shelter in and around homes, drains, storage areas, bathrooms or beneath piles of objects from October to November.

Wild animals, especially snakes, often leave their natural habitats in search of dry shelter during this period, said Kedah Civil Defence Force (APM) deputy director Mejar Muhammad Suhaimi Mohd Zain.

"Always check the surroundings of your house and make sure there are no snakes hiding in shoes, clothing or furniture.

"Avoid playing in or wading through floodwaters, as snakes can swim and may hide beneath murky water.

"Do not attempt to catch or kill them. Contact the authorities, such as the APM or the Fire and Rescue Department," he said.

Sik Fire Station chief Mohd Jamil Mat Daud also advised villagers to maintain good housekeeping practices both inside and outside their homes to prevent such creatures from taking shelter nearby.

On Oct 7, a 16-year-old teenager was forced to abandon his motorcycle and run after a king cobra slithered across his path in Kampung Banggol, Sik Dalam.

The 4m snake wrapped itself around the motorcycle, but was later captured.