SEREMBAN, Oct. 7 -- Police have stepped up patrols around Taman Tuanku Ja'afar (TTJ) after a sun bear was spotted in the residential area, with authorities widening the search as the animal remains uncaught.

Seremban district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Yatim Osman said the patrols were aimed at helping keep residents safe amid concerns that the bear could approach or attack people, Harian Metro reported today.

"Although this falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks we are also helping by patrolling the surrounding areas to detect the animal," he said.

"At least the presence of police personnel on patrols will discourage the animal from approaching residential areas and make residents f...