Minister to discuss operation mechanisms with Zoo Negara

PUTRAJAYA: Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah will hold a meeting with the Zoo Negara management today to discuss mechanisms to strengthen its operations.

Shamsul Anuar, in a statement yesterday, said that the discussion will cover aspects of governance so that Zoo Negara is more viable and at the same time ensures that the welfare of animals is always protected.

He added that the ministry was always striving to support and assist Zoo Negara’s initiatives even though it was owned by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) operating as a business entity, and issued with an annual zoo operating permit by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).

He said the ministry also channelled RM1.3 million of the Wildlife Welfare Caring Fund to Zoo Negara on April 10 to obtain food supplies for the animals, husbandry management and medicines.

The government has also extended a 15 per cent discount on electricity bills for six months under the Economic Stimulus Package, he added.

“The government has been providing financial assistance to Zoo Negara, not only during the Movement Control Order (MCO) but since its inception,” he said, adding that the government has provided over RM50 million to upgrade the zoo since the Seventh Malaysia Plan.

Shamsul Anuar said the ministry also thanked the community’s concerns towards the animals’ welfare at Zoo Negara which was facing a financial crisis since the implementation of the MCO.

Zoo Negara has successfully collected contributions amounting to RM10.6 million in the form of cash assistance and animal feed between January and September this year, and this amount should be more than enough to meet needs based on the zoo’s spending records, he said.

“The zoo management must be transparent and prudent in managing donations,” he added.