KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — The Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM) takes the fatal snakebite incident involving one of its personnel seriously and remains open to reviewing and improving safety measures, risk management and the implementation of activities from time to time.

It said that this is following the tragedy that claimed the life of Sergeant (PA) Muhamad Muazam Shah Kamardin after he completed his participation in the Public Awareness Training Programme on the Handling of Venomous Animals at the Taman Temerloh Jaya Hall, Pahang, on Saturday (Aug 22).

“The assessment measures are part of APM’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of its personnel remain a priority,” it said in a statement today.

APM also confirmed that the 39-year-old was a trained personnel, with extensive experience in handling venomous animals and had been actively serving since 2010.

“APM stresses that the venomous animal handling activity was carried out in accordance with the stipulated standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety procedures.

“All APM personnel are required to undergo relevant training before being allowed to participate in operations, and the personnel involved also carried out their duties based on the stipulated procedures and safety instructions,” it added.

Muhamad Muazam Shah, who was bitten on the finger of his right hand by a king cobra during a demonstration, was confirmed to have died at 1.50am Sunday while receiving treatment at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital (HoSHAS) in Temerloh.

APM also expressed its condolences to the deceased’s family, describing his passing as a major loss to APM and the country. — Bernama