TAIPING: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) is preparing a module to ensure the sustainability of all zoos and permanent wildlife exhibitions (ZPTs) across the country should the Movement Control Order (MCO) be implemented again.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said this was important as 14 zoos and 20 permanent wildlife exhibitions were badly affected due to the reduced number of visitors since the MCOs implementation in March to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This has affected their income, the obtaining of animal food supplies as well as payments of salaries.
“We don’t know how long are we going to live in the ‘new normal’. So, in order to better prepare for this situation, Perhilitan is planning on a new module to ensure the sustainability of the ZPTs,” he said during a press conference on the national-level Tiger and Elephant Conservation Day celebration at the Taiping Zoo here, today.
He said about RM10 million in funds were required to assist the affected ZPTs to ensure the wellbeing and survival of wildlife species, including the tigers and elephants kept at the premises.
Shamsul Anuar said the ministry had also applied for an allocation of RM8.3 million from the Federal Government for the purpose.
Meanwhile, Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the report on the new module would be presented to the minister within a month.
He said among the plans to ensure the financial sustainability of the ZPTs was to conduct virtual tours, as well as selling animal-themed souvenirs and clothing at the zoo. - Bernama
