In the quiet town of Balik Pulau, a remarkable sight can be found – a 7-meter-long female python named Cik Kiah, proudly displaying intricate batik patterns on her 220kg body. Owned by Mohd Redzuan Abdullah Zawawi, a 36-year-old animal lover, Cik Kiah is said to be the largest pet python in Asia, belonging to the Malayopython reticulatus or reticulated python species.
During a recent visit to his snake house, Mohd Redzuan shared with Bernama his passion for exotic animals and his dedication to caring for his six pythons. He mentioned that keeping a python as a pet is not as challenging as one might think, describing them as tame reptiles that are easy to manage and keep. His family, who are also animal enthusiasts, fully support his hobby of caring for these magnificent creatures.
Originally from Kota Baru, Kelantan, Mohd Redzuan recounted how he stumbled upon Cik Kiah 16 years ago when she was just a small snake on a road leading to Teluk Bahang. Fascinated by her beauty and unique markings, he decided to take her in as his first pet snake. Since then, he has invested a significant amount of time and money into caring for his beloved pythons, spending around RM700 to RM800 a month on their food alone.
When it comes to feeding Cik Kiah, Mohd Redzuan revealed that she consumes about 20 to 25 chickens per month to sustain her massive size. Despite the cost and effort required to care for these creatures, Mohd Redzuan finds great joy in sharing his knowledge and passion for snakes with his eldest child, a 12-year-old who has also developed an interest in reptiles.
Although Mohd Redzuan has a permit from the Wildlife and National Parks Department to keep snakes as pets, he mentioned that he has refrained from participating in snake shows due to the lack of a public performance license. Nevertheless, his dedication to providing a safe and loving home for Cik Kiah and his other pythons is evident in the care and attention he gives to these magnificent creatures.
In conclusion, Cik Kiah stands as a testament to the bond between humans and animals, showcasing the beauty and wonder of nature’s creations. Through Mohd Redzuan’s passion and commitment, this majestic python has found a loving home where she can thrive and be appreciated for the magnificent creature that she is.
