Kampung Jerek Residents Fear For Safety After Sun Bear Sightings

GUA MUSANG, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Over 3,000 residents from seven villages in Kampung Jerek are concerned for their safety after a sun bear was sighted roaming the area since Aug 25, including near a garbage disposal site close to houses and a school.

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tengku Bendahara quarters’ chairperson, Nor Suzlina Umar, said the animal was seen foraging for food at the site, forcing villagers to reduce outdoor activities and lodge a report with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).

“Last Friday, around 9 pm, 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 reporters when met in Kampung Jerek today.

Another resident, Muhammad Faiz Ahmad Fadzli, 36, said he managed to capture footage of the bear about 200 metres from his house.

“I saw it rummaging through a pile of rubbish behind the housing block, and the animal stood about six feet tall,” he said.

Ismail Shafii, 41, meanwhile, hoped the wild animal would be captured soon, expressing concern that it could pose a threat to school students who often engage in evening activities on the nearby field.

Kelantan Perhilitan director Mohamad Hafid Rohani confirmed receiving the complaint, said monitoring had been carried out and advised residents to manage waste properly to avoid attracting the animal.

-- BERNAMA