Malaysia 'snake whisperer' dies after cobra bite

A Malaysian firefighter dubbed the "snake whisperer" has died four days after he was bitten by a wild cobra while responding to a call to catch the aggressive reptile, an official said today.

The spitting cobra bit 33-year-old Abu Zarin Hussin on Monday in the central state of Pahang, where he subsequently succumbed its venom in hospital yesterday.

The firefighter had gained celebrity status in Malaysia for his ability to closely handle deadly snakes.

He was pictured in photos and videos widely circulated online kissing king cobra snakes on the mouth, and appeared on TV show Asia's Got Talent last year rubbing his nose against a serpent's head.

Khiruddin Drahman, director of Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department, told AFP that Abu Zarin had responded to a public call while off-duty with his wife.

"The snake he caught was a wild spitting cobra. A single bite can even kill an elephant," he said.

"We lost a talented officer. It is a tragic event."