A Malaysian grandmother had a frightening experience during a late-night visit to the bathroom when a python placed its jaws tightly around her foot, local media reported.

The incident, in Seberang Tuan Chik village in rural Terengganu state, occurred when the snake entered through a hole in the floor of the house, which is slightly raised above the ground in keeping with Malay tradition.

The python tried to drag Ngah Hitam, 72, down the hole, but it appears to have bit more than it could chew - the hole was too small to accommodate the grandmother.

The snake finally let go and disappeared. The grandmother was later taken to Terengganu hospital for treatment for the large bite on her foot.

Second visit

The woman's granddaughter, Wan Aishah Ibrahim, said this was the second time that a python had attempted to enter their house in the last six months, Bernama news agency said.

In December, the python tried to crush a cat, but was forced to release it after residents intervened.

Pythons in the Malay peninsula are among the largest snakes in the world, growing up to several metres long.

They are frequently reported to enter human habitation, but usually attack small animals with attacks on humans rare.

Not venomous, they usually attack by wrapping themselves around the body of their prey and then kill through suffocation. The snakes have formidable strength.