Snake-catching fireman dies of snakebite

Abu Zarin Hussin, the firefighter renowned for his snake-catching skills, died early today after being bitten by a cobra three days ago. He was 33.

He died at 12.54am in the Intensive Care Unit of the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh, said Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Abdul Wahab Mat Yassin.

Abu Zarin, who was in critical condition after being bitten by the snake he was attempting to catch in Bentong, was admitted to the Bentong Hospital on March 13 and then transferred to the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital, he said.

"Abu Zarin's remains were taken to Kampung Permatang Gading, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan at 5am, and he is expected to be buried before the Friday prayers today,” said Abdul Wahab when contacted.

Abu Zarin, who hailed from Pasir Puteh, had served the Fire and Rescue Department for over 10 years. He had been attached to the Muadzam Shah Fire and Rescue Station in Pekan before being transferred to Temerloh.

He had headed the King Cobra Squad of the Fire and Rescue Department that was established at the end of 2015 and helped to train firefighters to catch venomous animals and gave talks to the public.

Abu Zarin had been bitten several times by snakes and had even been in a coma for two days after being bitten by a cobra in 2015.

He had also tried his luck in the "Asia's Got Talent" competition last year but failed to win the hearts of the judges with his dangerous snake feat.

- Bernama