Yusof showing millipedes collected from the surrounding areas of the Pantai Bersih high-rise in Bagan Ajam, Butterworth.

THOUSANDS of cyanide millipedes have invaded the Pantai Bersih flats in Butterworth, Penang. Called gonggok in Malay, the millipedes have swarmed the place over the past two weeks.

While most of them congregated at the parking areas and drains of the three blocks of five-storey flats, many also entered the units.

Cleaning contractor Yusof Yahya 64, said he first noticed the millipedes while sweeping the common area of the flats two weeks ago but never thought much of it.

The millipede, which has a black body and yellow-tipped keels along its sides, usually crawls out from tree barks and drains during rainy seasons and is believed to be harmless.

Yusof said he reported the millipede invasion to the flats’ management which subsequently informed the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP).

“They are only seen in the morning.

“I know they are harmless but some are so tiny, I fear they might enter the ears or mouths of sleeping babies,” he added.

Malaysian Nature Society Penang branch advisor D. Kanda Kumar said all millipedes were harmless and they come out during certain weather conditions.

“There is nothing to fear as they are more of a nuisance,” he added.

MPSP councillor David Marshall said the council usually sprays pesticides on trees in residential areas which are a breeding grounds for these types of millipedes.

“We have seen these millipedes during the rainy seasons,” he said, adding that the council’s Vector Department had a fixed schedule for spraying pesticides to prevent them from proliferating.

[slider id='81590' name='StarProperty' size='full']