SINGAPORE, Feb. 3 -- A rare Malayan tapir briefly turned Singapore's Defu industrial estate into a wildlife hotspot in the small hours of February 2, with authorities now keeping an eye on the animal's movements, Singapore-based online portal Mothership reported.

Responding to the sighting, How Choon Beng, group director for wildlife management at Singapore's National Parks Board (NParks), said the agency is monitoring the situation after receiving reports of the creature wandering near Paya Lebar.

"If members of the public encounter the tapir, remain calm and quiet, and do not make any sudden movements," he said.

"Do not attempt to approach or feed the animal. Keep a safe distance and do not corner or provoke the animal, such as by us...