Investigators probing missing flight MH370 collected more metallic debris on an Indian Ocean island on Sunday as Malaysia urged authorities in the region to be on alert for wreckage washing up on their shores.

Locals on Reunion Island have been combing the shores since a Boeing 777 wing part was found last Wednesday, sparking speculation that it may be the first tangible evidence that the Malaysia Airlines plane crashed into the Indian Ocean.

An AFP photographer saw police collect a mangled piece of metal inscribed with two Chinese characters and attached to what appears to be a leather-covered handle.

Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said civil aviation authorities were reaching out to their counterparts in other Indian Ocean territories to be on the lookout for further debris.

"This is to allow the experts to conduct more substantive analysis should there be more debris coming onto land, providing us more clues to the missing aircraft."

In Saint-Denis, the island's capital, Chinese Consul General Guo Wei said that his government is closely following the latest developments.

The consulate has been monitoring information concerning recovery, transport and examination of the debris, and will keep in touch with authorities, he added.

AFP - Reuters - Xinhua

(China Daily 08/03/2015 page12)