Words of caution: A file photo of a sun bear. Authorities urge residents to manage waste properly to prevent attracting wild animals.
GUA MUSANG: Residents from seven villages are concerned about their safety after a sun bear was sighted roaming the area close to houses and a school on Aug 25.
SMK Tengku Bendahara quarters’ chairperson Nor Suzlina Umar said the animal was seen foraging for food, forcing villagers to reduce outdoor activities and lodge a report with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).
“Last Friday around 9pm, while my children were playing near the house, they saw the wild animal at the garbage site, believed to be searching for food,” she told Bernama.
Another resident, Muhammad Faiz Ahmad Fadzli, said he managed to capture footage of the bear about 200m from his house.
“I saw it rummaging through a pile of rubbish behind the housing block,” he said.
Resident Ismail Shafii hoped the wild animal would be captured soon, expressing concern that it could pose a threat to students who often engage in evening activities at the nearby field.
Kelantan Perhilitan director Mohamad Hafid Rohani advised residents to manage waste properly to avoid attracting the animal.
