AN ABANDONED house in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, has residents living in fear of the threat of being bitten by poisonous snakes.

The compound of the house, abandoned two years ago, is covered with grass more than 1.5m high.

There is also a deep hole in its backyard that residents believe is a breeding ground for snakes.

Although there has been no report of anyone in the neighbourhood being bitten by snakes, residents living near the abandoned house have encountered snakes in their homes.

Visalachum Krishnan, who lives four doors away, claimed she had found three snakes in her house over a period of two months.

“The snakes were about 12.5cm long and brown in colour with shades of black. We do not know whether they were poisonous or not.

“I used to sleep on the floor but since finding the three snakes in my house, I have been sleeping on the bed. I also have nightmares of being bitten by a snake and fear my family will be bitten, too,” she added.

Habsah Othman, 52, a resident for 13 years, had also found three snakes in her house.

“I am the one most affected because my house is just beside the abandoned house.

“I have informed the house-owner but he refuses to come and clean up the house. Last week, I complained to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council and the staff said they would take action.

“In the meantime, I cannot sleep at night, wondering when another snake will come into the house. I am especially worried because my grandchildren are living here,” said Habsah.

She had covered the hole in the neighbouring house's compound with a plank, hoping to prevent snakes from coming out of there.

Another resident, Normilah Jamaludin, 39, fears for the safety of her five children who often play near the abandoned house.

“I can tell my children to stay away from the house but being children, especially boys, they do not want to listen.

“Although I have not found a snake in my house, I cannot shake the fear of seeing one every time I enter my backdoor.

“I hope the houseowner will clean up the compound and be more responsible as there are neighbours who fear for their lives,” said Normilah.