Female Civil Defence Force officers in Terengganu demonstrate courage and skill in handling venomous snakes, proving women excel in this male-dominated field.

KUALA NERUS: For most, a snake sighting induces fear, but for Civil Defence Force (APM) officers in Terengganu, confronting venomous reptiles is a routine part of safeguarding the community.

Second Lieutenant Farah Nadia Abdullah has handled over 700 snake cases in her 16-year career, including king cobras and reticulated pythons. The 38-year-old officer said courage and understanding reptile behaviour are crucial for safe operations.

“I learned from a colleague skilled in snake handling how to understand their behaviour and safely tame them,” she told Bernama. She assesses a snake’s aggression upon arrival, noting king cobras are the most challenging due to their fierce nature and speed.

Her skills were inherited from her late grandfather, a renowned snake catcher. Farah Nadia is determined to prove women can excel in this field, a sentiment shared by Junior Officer Nurin Qurratu Ain Norrozi.

Nurin Qurratu Ain, who joined APM in 2022, has never feared snakes. She has participated in hundreds of capture and relocation operations involving venomous and large snakes. New recruits are trained in stages by experienced officers before real operations.

“Some people questioned my decision to join the APM, saying women like me should be in the kitchen or office,” she said. She convinced her worried parents by showcasing her passion and commitment to public safety, eventually gaining their support.

APM deputy director (Operations) Major Mohd Hafiz Asikin said 100 of the state’s 380 personnel are women, nearly all trained to handle venomous animals. All recruits must complete basic and specialised animal handling courses at state or headquarters training centres.

“Through this approach, new recruits are first trained in observation before being trusted to lead operations fully, based on their experience and skills,” he said.

 The Sun Malaysia