MPHTJ takes over running of Malacca Zoo, Bird Park

MALACCA: The Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) has taken over the management and operations of the Malacca Zoo and Night Safari and Bird Park in Ayer Keroh, said state Housing, Local Government and Environment Committee chairman Tey Kok Kiew.
He said the decision to take over the two state tourism sites from Konsortium KKW Sdn Bhd, was made after the company breached the terms of an agreement that came into effect on Dec 31, 2012.
"The decision on the acquisition of these two tourist attractions was a result of a discussion on Sept 28 when Konsortium KKW Sdn Bhd agreed to the termination of the privatisation agreement which was then handed over to MPHTJ yesterday.
"The Malacca Zoo and Night Safari and Bird Park are among the important assets that contribute to the state economy especially in the tourism sector," he told a news conference here today.
Also present was MPHT president Mahani Masban.
Tey said all 70 employees who worked at both the tourist sites were given job offers to continue their service under MPHTJ.
Meanwhile, Mahani said the Malacca Zoo and Night Safari and Bird Park will be closed for 14 days from Sept 28 for auditing, cleaning and upgrading works.
She said the audit covered various aspects of asset evaluation and inventory of animals at both tourist sites.
"The auditing process takes time and it is important to know the number of animals at the zoo and the Bird Park before and after the MPHTJ takes over," she said.
On Aug 28, Bernama reported that the Malacca state government was considering taking over the Malacca Zoo and Night Safari or to continue privatising it. — Bernama