[VIDEO] Security Guard Swinging Biawak Like A Helicopter In Sabah Sparks Debate
"Accompanying music is hilarious, but questions: Was helicopter swing necessary? Was this animal cruelty?"
By May Vin Ang — 13 Dec 2021, 05:54 PM
A 10-second clip of a security guard swinging a monitor lizard over his head and out of a building has sparked a debate on social media
The incident, originally published on TikTok, is believed to have occurred recently in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
The video was made 'funny' because the uploader used Bosnian singer Fazlija's song — Helikopter — as its background music. The song is a popular audio trend on the video sharing platform.
Although most social media users found the video entertaining, some showed concern that it may have been a cruel way to dispose of the animal.
"Accompanying music is hilarious, but questions: Was helicopter swing necessary? Drive-by suitable place to throw it to? Car ran over it? Was this animal cruelty?" queried Sabah news portal, Daily Express, on Twitter.
The post has garnered over 1,600 replies of varying opinions.
Some netizens agreed that it was cruel
"It definitely is. Poor biawak (monitor lizard). Just let them be. I'm sure they don't disturb anything, but only passing by," said a Twitter user.
"Omg, it's cruel la," another said.
"I mean, there's a better way to move that animal away from the public. You all be taking away their homes and polluting the habitat, then complain, make a big fuss, and kill them," someone commented.
However, many others have since stepped in to defend the guard and said his actions were necessary to keep himself from harm
"Yes, the helicopter swing is necessary for his own safety. The centrifugal force from the swing prevents the lizard from turning its back to bite. The important thing is both got off unharmed in this incident. That is the best he can do with inadequate equipment and people," said a Twitter user.
Meanwhile, another said, "Note the lizard biting the chair before the guard threw it across the road. I'd say the helicopter swing is needed, otherwise he'd have an appendage bitten off."
This netizen agreed too, saying, "The number one rule of handling a biawak is to keep its teeth away from you at all cost. Pulling it straight will allow the biawak to turn around and bite you."
"A bite from a biawak could easily turn you to past tense (sic)."
Regardless of the debate, when encountering a monitor lizard, do not touch, chase, or corner them as they may attack in defence and leave it to a professional
According to Singapore National Parks Board, the reptiles are generally shy creatures and will not attack unless provoked.
Also, monitor lizards do secrete venom but it is not fatal to humans.
In the rare event that someone is bitten, still seek medical attention immediately. The main cause for concern from a bite would be a bacterial infection.
