Melaka Zoo returned to state govt

Animal show at the Malacca Zoo. - Filepic

MELAKA: The management of the Melaka Zoo and Night Safari in Ayer Keroh here has now been returned to the state govern-ment, says state Housing, Local Government and Environment Committee chairman Tey Kok Kiew.

He said the previous 60-year privatisation agreement that was signed with the concessionaire has been nullified through an amicable bilateral discussion.

The handing over ceremony of the zoo’s management will be held today.

“The discussion to take over the management of the zoo proceeded cordially and the private concessionaire has agreed to return the state government’s assets to be managed by Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ),” he said in an interview.

Tey said the zoo’s current 80 employees of the menagerie would be offered to continue their employment.

“We hope to further strengthen the attractions at the zoo to help bring in more visitors through strategic marketing. The state government is committed to making the zoo a must-visit destination by adding more attractions,” he added.

On Aug 30, Chief Minister Adly Zahari said that the menagerie used to be among the best and most popular in the country, but there were many aspects that needed attention, such as the well-being of animals and facility management.

Adly said a decision whether to take over the zoo would be made after an assessment was carried out based on a public report, internal technical report and auditor-general’s report.

The zoo has 554 animals now compared to 600 in 2015. It was privatised in 2013 following the handing over of the management of the zoo by the then Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to the Melaka government in 2012.