Fireman bitten by sun bear now in stable condition

SUNGAI PETANI - An auxiliary fireman bitten by a sun bear in Kampung Kabu Sepuluh, Selengkoh Tengah, Yan, on Thursday is now in stable condition.

Yan Fire and Rescue Station chief Assistant Fire Superintendent Noorhamidi Ali said that the condition of the victim, Mohd Nizam Hamid, 27 had improved after surgery yesterday.

"The victim's condition is gradually improving after undergoing surgery to treat injuries to the blood vessels of the injured left hand," he said when contacted.

He said Nizam was still admitted at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital (HSAH) ward, here, and was accompanied by his wife.

It was reported that Nizam sustained injuries on his left hand after being bitten by a sun bear while trying to surround the animal during an operation.

The female sun bear weighing 90 kilograms was successfully captured after being shot with anesthetic at approximately 1.21pm and sent to the Wildlife Rescue Center (NWRC) in Sungkai, Perak.

Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) said the sun bear was believed to have strayed from its original habitat in Gunung Jerai, possibly in a state of hunger or being threatened, leading it to act aggressively.