Thousands of caterpillars invade wedding in Kuala Kedah village
ALOR STAR: More than 1,000 guests at a wedding in Kuala Tebengau, Kuala Kedah today endured a skin-crawling experience when the village was 'invaded' by thousands of caterpillars.
It is learnt that the caterpillars had appeared in the village about a week ago but had multiplied in presence over the last four days, raising concerns among the villagers, Harian Metro reported.
The father of the bride, Mat Ali Zainol, 56, said the wedding of his daughter, Qurratuaini Md Ali, 28, had to proceed today despite the increasing number of creepy crawlies in the village.
He said he spent the whole of yesterday spraying insecticide around his house compound to reduce the number of caterpillars but it failed to deter them. As a result, wedding guests endured a torrid time with caterpillars found all over the area.
"Yesterday, we also contacted the Kota Setar Civil Defence Department to seek their aid in destroying these caterpillars. Their numbers reduced yesterday but they appear to have returned with a vengeance today," he sighed.
Kota Setar Civil Defence Department officer, Leftenant Mat Zain Baharom said his department were alerted to the incident at 9.40am. Three of his men had trimmed tree branches which were infested with the caterpillars, and destroyed them.
He said he was not informed that the caterpillars had increased in numbers today. He said he would take immediate action once information is received.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
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