Malaysia: Sun bear spotted in Jeli villages

Nor Fazlina Abdul Rahim New Straits Times 7 Aug 19;

KOTA BHARU: A sun bear has been spotted roaming the orchards in Kampung Reka and Kampung Timur near Kuala Belah, Jeli since last week.

Kelantan Wildlife and National Parks Department director Ady Ermanty Haniff Mohamed Hanif said the department received information on the matter from the villagers on July 31. He said the villagers were worried for their safety.

“Following that, four personnel from Jeli wildlife office went to the location to conduct checks. They also set up a trap using cempedak fruit,” he said when contacted.

He added that it was possible that the animal came out of the jungle to find food at the orchards as fruits are now in season.

“Jeli office is continuously monitoring the situation,” he said.

It was recently reported that Felda Perasu settlers in Gua Musang were facing similar problems when a sun bear was found wandering in their settlement last week.