A monitor lizard recently found itself inside a building that it's not supposed to be in and as a result, he got some air time.

Look, a flying lizard!

A video showing a security guard in Sabah getting rid of a monitor lizard that made its way into a building has gone viral on social media.

The nine-second video clip, which was uploaded onto Twitter by Daily Express Sabah, shows the security guard holding the reptile by its tail and swinging it wildly around like a helicopter over his head before tossing it out.

The animal landed a few meters away on the pavement outside the building, seemingly unhurt.

Here's the video:

.@KKCity guard seen in this clip tossing away in "helicopter swing" monitor lizard which crawled into public space.Accompanying music is hilarious, but questions: Was helicopter swing necessary? Drive-by suitable place to throw it to? Car ran over it? Was this animal cruelty? pic.twitter.com/g4eqcINst1

— Daily Express Sabah (@DailyExpress_MY) December 11, 2021

However, some netizens were concerned over the way the security guard manhandled the monitor lizard, saying that the 'helicopter swing and throw' technique was a form of animal cruelty.

Deh...!! You only need to hold on to the tail and let the monitor lizard dangling up side down, that will immobilized the animal. I've seen philipinos does that. Luckily, it was not a Komodo dragon bcos it can kill a person within hours of a bite!

— rubby (@sa1302x) December 11, 2021

Nasib baik tiada kereta melimpas

— maju kehadapan (@santaigais) December 11, 2021

There were those who came out to defend the abang guard's action, saying that a helicopter swing was necessary to prevent it from attacking and biting him:

Yes, the helicopter swing is necessary for his own safety. The centrifugal force from the swing prevents the lizard from turning its back & bite. The important thing is both got off unharmed in this incident. That is the best he can do with inadequate equipment & people.

— Afiq (@afqnrmn) December 11, 2021

Whoever’s saying it’s abusive, biawak is :1. They have thick skin, survived since dinosaur age. They’re literally dinosaur just like crocodile. Freaking reptiles!2. Swing is needed to make sure the biawak won’t bite the guard, he could lose fingers and limbs. Poisonous too.

— Lord ??? (@LordAintADude) December 12, 2021

Supaya tidak digigit dan juga biawak itu pening, macam kena bius

— Momogun Sabah (@edwinubod) December 11, 2021

Animal cruelty? This is predator man even it is not similar size to regular crocodile it still can bite as it sense of protection. This security guard take needed fast action. He is not professional. Try la pegang ekor & hold belah depan, blh terkorban punai dia.

— Dzul_Youn ??? (@DzulYoun) December 12, 2021

My colleagues kena gigit biawak and bleed non stop sebab tarik ekor biawak and that fucking dinosaur turn around and bite his finger. Nasib tak putus jari yeeee. YEP THE HELICOPTER SWING IS NECESSARY SO THAT THE BIAWAK WON'T BITE THE GUARD https://t.co/Wsvnl3AsEt

— nurul ? (@yubaduel5) December 12, 2021

Whatever it may be, good job abang guard! Who knows what might've happened if he didn't helicopter swing and yeet it outside, right?