(AFP) The capture of a shape-shifting "vampire" the size of two tennis balls made prime time television and newspaper reports today.

The vampire, which resembles a big wad of cotton with a little face, was captured by spiritual healer, or 'bomoh', Hairul Hambali, the New Straits Times reported.

Hairul said the creature, which was caught in a cotton field after an hour's struggle and popped into a bottle, was capable of changing forms and colour to suit its environment.

"If it is near a woman, it will change its form to a woman in white dress," said the bomoh.

Blood sucker

Prime time news report on government-owned TV3 said the creature had been causing disturbances, prompting local residents to seek help.

While no details of the disturbances were given, vampires make regular appearances in local folklore and are reputed to favour the classic bite on the neck to suck the blood of victims.

A report in the Berita Harian daily said dozens of curious onlookers have stopped by Hairul's house to catch of a glimpse of the creature.

The tiny vampire, jar and all, will eventually be thrown into the sea to prevent it from harassing humans, Hairul said.