A giant python found on a Malaysian building site, that may be the longest ever caught, has died, officials say, according to the BBC.

The estimated eight-metre-long (26ft) snake was spotted Thursday under a fallen tree on the island of Penang.

It died on Sunday after laying eggs, Herme Herisyam, operations chief for Penang's Civil Defence Department's southwest district told the BBC.

The current record for longest snake ever caught is 7.67m (25ft), Guinness World Records says.

Source: MENA