A different kind of smartmob - SMS alerts public to mysterious Python in Malaysia

Smartmobs are those mobs that are alerted to a certain event via peer-to-peer networking (SMS) or other technological means. They are an expression of how people organise and share information in this age, and the groups are decentralised - so much for a definition.

The most famous ones were those smartmobs that were alerted to demonstrations in Manila and that grew so rapidly in size and power that ultimately, former president Estrada was ousted from power.

The Star (Malaysia) reports today that an SMS alerting the public about a huge Python with the girth of a car tire that would live below the market in Muar.

Apparently, residents and visitors came in from far away with bomohs arriving from Thailand and Indonesia, causing massive traffic jams.