Snake queen in world record bid

Sulaiman Jaafar
New Straits Times
07-13-2010
Snake queen in world record bid
Byline: Sulaiman Jaafar
Edition: Main/Lifestyle
Section: Main Section

KOTA BARU: Puteri Nur Ariyani Saiful Yazan is a woman with a mission. The 24-year-old snake- charmer from Sungai Petani, wants to set a world record for the longest stay with poisonous snakes in a glass cage soon.

The pretty lass is now taking part in a month-long snake exhibition and show organised by the Kelantan museum which began on July 6.
"I plan to set the record by living with 100 poisonous snakes, including black cobras and kraits, for at least 30 days. Currently no woman holds this record although a Thai woman holds the world record for staying with scorpions," she said during a break.

The eldest of four siblings, Ariyani has been learning from Penang snake trainer Saiful Abdul Aziz for eight years.

"I was fond of snakes since Form Four and when I saw him performing in my hometown, I approached him and told him that I wanted to learn the skill. He took me in when he saw that I was really interested.

"I was not afraid when I held the snakes for the first time but it was rather ticklish," said Ariyani who had been bitten several times although none seriously.

Her parents, self-employed Saiful Yazan Abdullah Sani, 46, and Arisun Che Daud, 45, were at first reluctant to allow their daughter to take up the skill but relented after seeing that she was serious.

On her coming attempt, Ariyani said she was taking part in shows around the country since last year to get herself adjusted to living in the glass cage.

"It could be boring but I will have access to television and the Internet besides an hour's break daily to clean up and refresh."

Saiful, who is acting as her manager, said the record attempt would be made at Putrajaya at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, museum manager Fauzi Mat said nearly 8,000 people had visited the exhibition since it started last week.

Visitors can see Ariyani staying with the snakes daily from 9am to 10pm with shows at 5.30pm and 9.30pm.Tickets are priced at RM3 for adults and RM2 for children. Schoolchildren in uniforms are only charged RM1.

(Copyright 2010)