This is the terrifying moment a gargantuan python crashed through a family's ceiling in Malaysia.

The family were horrified when the 18ft (5.5m), 176lb (80kg) snake plunged into the living room in Taiping, Perak on November 22.

Shocked relatives immediately called the emergency services who sent an animal control team for help in removing the reptile.

Faizulhalimi Mohammad Yunus, Captain of the Taiping District Civil Defense, said: 'We received the call at 8 pm. At that time, seven members were assigned to carry out the evacuation.'

Local media reported that officials had to damage part of the ceiling to retrieve the animal.

Footage shows the snake slowly slithering onto a sofa, with its tail dangling over the furniture.

The team successfully captured the python and released it back into the wild, far from residential areas.

No injuries were reported during the encounter.

Pythons are non-venomous constrictors that prey on rodents, birds, lizards, and mammals. They lack venomous fangs and swallow their prey whole.